Thabo Cele linked with Sundowns move after Kaizer Chiefs exit

South African midfielder Thabo Cele, currently without a club after leaving Kaizer Chiefs, has been linked with a move to Sundowns in the Betway Premiership.

Cele, 29, departed Kaizer Chiefs on 1 September after joining the club from Russian side Fakel Voronezh in January 2025. He made no appearances in the Betway Premiership or MTN8 during the 2026-27 season before becoming unattached.

The potential move would keep Cele in South Africa’s top flight, with Sundowns emerging as the club linked with his next destination. The reported interest comes with the midfielder’s current market value listed at €450,000.

Cele helped Kaizer Chiefs win the Nedbank Cup in the 2024-25 season, one of the club’s major domestic honours during his time in Johannesburg.

The KwaMashu-born player began his senior career at Real SC in Portugal before spending time with Benfica B and Cova Piedade. He later joined Polish club Radomiak and moved to Fakel Voronezh in 2023, both on free transfers, before returning to South Africa.

Cele has played primarily as a central midfielder and is right-footed. He remains without a club, while Sundowns are the latest side linked with a move for the former Kaizer Chiefs player.