Kaizer Chiefs Terminate Thabo Cele Contract by Mutual Agreement

Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed that Thabo Cele will leave the club after both parties agreed to terminate his contract by mutual agreement. The decision follows constructive discussions between the midfielder and the club, bringing an end to his 18-month spell with the Glamour Boys. Cele joined Amakhosi in January 2025 and became part of a squad undergoing changes as the club worked to strengthen its team. His departure now gives him the opportunity to pursue new opportunities and consider the next stage of his professional football career. For Kaizer Chiefs, the decision is another important step as the club continues reshaping its squad ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The KwaMashu-born midfielder joined Kaizer Chiefs with valuable experience from his time playing in Europe and representing the South African national team. His background gave him experience in different football environments before he returned to South Africa to join one of the country’s biggest clubs. Cele made his debut for the Glamour Boys the following month in the Soweto Derby, immediately stepping into one of the most high-profile fixtures on the domestic football calendar. The occasion provided a demanding introduction to life at Kaizer Chiefs and placed him in front of supporters expecting strong performances from the club’s new signing. His arrival added experience and depth to the midfield as Amakhosi continued working towards their competitive ambitions.

During his time with Kaizer Chiefs, Cele made 36 appearances across domestic and CAF competitions. His involvement in these matches gave him the opportunity to compete in different tournaments while gaining further experience at club level in South Africa. One of the biggest highlights of his spell came just four months after joining the club when Kaizer Chiefs lifted the Nedbank Cup. Winning a major domestic trophy so early in his Chiefs career provided Cele with an important achievement and allowed him to celebrate silverware in the famous gold and black colours. The Nedbank Cup triumph will remain one of the defining moments of his time with Amakhosi.

Cele’s departure comes as Kaizer Chiefs continue to reshape their squad ahead of the 2026/27 season. The club has been assessing its playing personnel as it works towards building a squad that can meet its objectives in the upcoming campaign. Mutual contract terminations can give both clubs and players an opportunity to move forward while allowing each side to focus on their respective plans. For Chiefs, Cele’s departure creates another opening as the club evaluates its midfield options and considers the changes required for the new season. For the player, the agreement provides the freedom to explore his next opportunity and continue his career elsewhere.

The club has acknowledged Cele’s commitment during his time at Kaizer Chiefs and expressed its appreciation for his contribution. Cele was known as “Induna Yendawo” during his spell with Amakhosi, a nickname that became associated with his time at the club. Although his stay lasted 18 months, he experienced several significant moments, including his Soweto Derby debut and the Nedbank Cup triumph. His 36 appearances across domestic and CAF competitions also allowed him to contribute to the club across a range of fixtures. Kaizer Chiefs have thanked him for his commitment and wished him the very best as he moves on to the next stage of his career.

For Cele, leaving Kaizer Chiefs marks the beginning of a new chapter after gaining further experience with one of South Africa’s most recognised football clubs. His career has already taken him through European football, international football with Bafana Bafana and domestic competition with Amakhosi. That experience gives him a strong platform as he considers where his career will take him next. His immediate focus will be on finding an opportunity where he can continue competing at a high level and make a valuable contribution to his next team. The mutual nature of the agreement also means that Cele and Kaizer Chiefs can move forward with respect for the time they spent working together.

Kaizer Chiefs will now continue their preparations for the 2026/27 season without Cele as part of the squad. The club’s attention will turn towards its broader recruitment and squad-building plans as Amakhosi seek to create a competitive team for the campaign ahead. Cele leaves with 36 appearances across domestic and CAF competitions and a Nedbank Cup winners’ medal from his time at Naturena. While his spell with the Glamour Boys has now come to an end, the midfielder can take the experience gained from the club into his next professional challenge. Both Kaizer Chiefs and Thabo Cele will now look ahead, with Amakhosi continuing their squad reshaping and Cele searching for a new opportunity in his football career.