Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele faces an uncertain future at Naturena after new head coach Fernando Da Cruz confirmed that the player does not form part of his plans for the upcoming campaign.
Cele joined the Glamour Boys at the start of 2025 from Russian club Fakel Voronezh and quickly became a key figure in the squad. The midfielder played an important role in Kaizer Chiefs’ Nedbank Cup triumph under former coach Nasreddine Nabi during his first months at the club.
Despite battling injury setbacks, Cele featured prominently during the 2025/26 season, making 21 appearances and establishing himself as a reliable option in midfield.
However, the arrival of Da Cruz appears to have changed his standing within the team. The French coach has indicated that he prefers other midfield profiles and does not currently see a place for Cele in his squad.
“For Thabo Cele, I have a lot of players in Thabo Cele’s position. I prefer a different type of player in his position, and he is not in my plans for this season,” Da Cruz told journalists.
The Chiefs coach highlighted several midfield options ahead of Cele, including Lebohang Maboe, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Sibongiseni Mthethwa and new Tanzanian signing Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko.
With Da Cruz expected to continue strengthening his squad ahead of the new season, Cele’s chances of reclaiming a regular role at Kaizer Chiefs appear increasingly limited.
The midfielder’s future could now depend on whether the club receives offers or whether circumstances change during the campaign.