Highly-rated midfielder Thabo Cele had interest shown in him from Kaizer Chiefs again at the end of last season and, up until recently, indications were that the player would finally make the switch to Naturena as one of their marquee signings. Since 2021, the midfielder had been a target for the club, although the Soweto giants have struggled to acquire his signature in all their attempts. While sources have indicated that the 26-year-old was keen on a return to South Africa after spending seven years overseas, and with Amakhosi keen to add him to coach Molefi Ntseki’s squad, it seems that certain factors stood in the way of a deal being finalised. The Siya crew takes a look at certain elements that seemingly hindered a potential move.
What The Siya Crew Has Been Told…
Thabo Cele has had an offer tabled for him by Kaizer Chiefs in line with new coach Molefi Ntseki’s plan to assemble a formidable squad for the current 2023/24 season. The player and his camp have been open to a return to South Africa as the Naturena-based side have been persistent in their pursuit of his signature. Two years ago, when Stuart Baxter was Amakhosi’s head coach, the club was understood to be keen to sign the KwaMashu-born star, although the 69-year-old opted for Cole Alexander, who has been one of his trusted players for the defensive midfield role at various teams he has been at in recent years. With the Glamour Boys still planning to further reinforce the squad before the transfer window deadline in September, contact was made with Cele’s Polish club Radomiak Radom by the Soweto giants and at one stage it was thought that the parties were getting closer to agreeing on a deal.
