Kaizer Chiefs risk regret if Thabo Cele joins rivals Mamelodi Sundowns

Kaizer Chiefs could regret allowing Thabo Cele to leave if the midfielder completes a reported move to Mamelodi Sundowns, particularly after he helped end the club’s 10-year wait for silverware.

Cele’s departure from Chiefs was agreed by mutual consent, although unverified reports suggest it followed a breakdown in his relationship with members of the club’s management. That has raised questions about whether the decision was based solely on footballing considerations.

Whatever happened behind the scenes, Cele’s contribution to Chiefs is difficult to overlook. During his two seasons at the club, he was part of the team that won the Nedbank Cup two years ago – Chiefs’ only trophy in the past decade.

His exit is therefore significant for a club still trying to rebuild its identity as one of South Africa’s leading sides. Chiefs are attempting to return to the top end of the domestic game, and the possibility of Cele joining one of their major rivals adds an extra dimension to the decision.

Cele did not always deliver consistently during his time at Naturena, and that is an important part of the assessment. However, he is 28 and there is little to suggest his career is in decline. His experience, technical ability and knowledge of top-level football remain valuable assets.

Those qualities could attract Sundowns, who have reportedly been linked with a move for the midfielder. A transfer to Chloorkop would see Cele join a club that has become one of the strongest forces on the continent and currently holds the CAF Champions League title.

That prospect will concern Chiefs.

It would be premature to assume Cele would immediately become a star at Sundowns. The issue is whether a player deemed surplus to requirements by Chiefs could find a more suitable environment elsewhere and develop into an important contributor for a significant rival.

Sundowns have a well-established structure, intense competition for places and a record of getting the best from experienced players. If Cele flourishes there, Chiefs are likely to face scrutiny over whether they acted too quickly in allowing him to leave.

The timing of the decision also matters. Chiefs are in the process of rebuilding, while Orlando Pirates are the reigning Betway Premiership champions and Sundowns remain a continental powerhouse following their CAF Champions League success.

That leaves Chiefs with little room for error in their most important sporting decisions.

A reported dispute between Cele and the club’s management may have influenced his departure, but clubs must distinguish between personal relationships and football decisions. If the midfielder remained capable of contributing, there was arguably a case for exploring a way to keep him at Naturena.

The alternative is the possibility of watching a former player succeed in the colours of a direct rival.

Cele has already played a part in delivering Chiefs’ only trophy in 10 years. If he now helps Sundowns win further silverware, his departure could become one of the decisions the club looks back on with real regret.