Khanye questions Cele’s chances after Sundowns move

Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye says Thabo Cele’s move to Mamelodi Sundowns carries the same sense of excitement as the club’s signings of Thembinkosi Lorch and Monnapule Saleng.

Cele joined the African champions on a free transfer after Kaizer Chiefs ended his contract, saying the midfielder did not fit into new coach Fernando Da Cruz’s tactical plans for the 2026/2027 season.

The decision has disappointed a number of Chiefs supporters, particularly because Cele has moved to one of the club’s main rivals.

Khanye, now a football analyst, believes the transfer could prove difficult for the midfielder because of the competition for places at Sundowns. He compared Cele’s situation with that of Bathusi Aubaas, who has also faced a challenge to establish himself in a star-studded squad.

“With Cele, Sundowns are taking chances, to be honest; his situation will be exactly like the one of Bathusi Aubaas,” Khanye told KickOff.

He questioned where Cele would fit into a midfield that already includes Teboho Mokoena, while also pointing to the limited opportunities available to Siphelele Mkhulise.

“Where is Cele going to play there at Sundowns? They have Teboho Mokoena there. Even the likes of Siphelele Mkhulise are struggling for game time at Sundowns. A top-notch player. Their own product. Sundowns also have Marcelo Allende,” he said.

Khanye also suggested that Cele’s failure to establish himself at Kaizer Chiefs could make it even harder for him to succeed at Sundowns, where competition for places is intense.

“It’s going to be difficult for Cele at Sundowns. If he failed to rise at Kaizer Chiefs, how is he going to succeed at a star-studded Champions League team?” he said.

Although Khanye acknowledged Cele’s ability, he questioned whether the midfielder had the character required to succeed at his new club.

“The boy knows football, but he doesn’t have a strong character,” he added.

The former Chiefs winger said the reaction to Cele’s arrival had brought back memories of the anticipation surrounding Sundowns’ captures of Lorch and Saleng.

“This whole excitement surrounding Cele’s signing reminds me of the time they signed Saleng and Lorch. Cele’s situation is going to be the same,” Khanye said.