Thabo Cele has medical as Mamelodi Sundowns move emerges after Kaizer Chiefs exit

Thabo Cele could remain in Gauteng after leaving Kaizer Chiefs, with the midfielder having completed a medical at Mamelodi Sundowns as he considers his next move.

The 28-year-old has officially parted company with Kaizer Chiefs after several months of uncertainty over his future at the club. He is now a free agent following the mutual termination of his contract with the Soweto side.

A source close to the player said Cele underwent the mandatory medical assessments at Sundowns’ training base in Chloorkop on Monday. The midfielder has not yet been confirmed as a Sundowns player, but the club is understood to be considering a move for him.

“Cele could be signing with Sundowns anytime soon. He has already done a medical with the club,” said the source.

Cele’s departure from Chiefs follows a difficult period at Naturena. The KwaMashu-born player had been training separately after being left out of much of the club’s pre-season preparations.

Head coach Fernando da Cruz subsequently confirmed that Cele was not part of his plans for the current campaign. With no place in the first-team set-up, the midfielder’s future at Chiefs became increasingly uncertain before both parties agreed to bring his contract to an end.

That decision left Cele free to negotiate with another club, and Mamelodi Sundowns now appear to be a potential destination. A move would allow him to remain in Gauteng while joining one of the leading teams in the league.

Cele joined Kaizer Chiefs from Russian club FC Fakel Voronezh but made only 21 appearances during the previous campaign. His limited involvement was followed by his exclusion from much of the pre-season programme, before the club formally announced his exit.

The possible move to Sundowns comes as the club continues to strengthen its squad for the new season. Sundowns have already added defender Deano Van Rooyen, who was signed to bolster the team’s defensive options.

Cele’s medical indicates that discussions with Sundowns have progressed, although the source’s comments suggest that the transfer has not yet been completed. The midfielder therefore remains without a confirmed new club after leaving Chiefs, with Sundowns potentially set to provide his next opportunity.

He had also been linked with a possible move to Europe, although that prospect may now hit a dead end. For the moment, his immediate future appears to be centred on Gauteng and the possibility of continuing his career with Mamelodi Sundowns.