Kaizer Chiefs are in pole position to sign Thabo Cele as teams queue up for the signature of the South African international.
The 26-year-old has been in impressive form for Polish club Radomiak Radom, and his performances have attracted interest from several clubs.
Cele looks set to leave Radomiak next week and will be a free agent after the two parties mutually agree against a contract extension.
KAIZER CHIEFS WOULD GIVE HIM A CHANCE TO IMPRESS BAFANA COACH
The KZN-born star always felt his exposure to national team coaches was a bit minimal in Poland and is eyeing up a place in the AFCON squad.
He believes a fresh start elsewhere could put him in good stead for a place in Bafana Bafana.
Cele has been linked with a move to a number of clubs in recent months, including Sekhukhune United, Morocco’s AS FAR Rabat and Kaizer Chiefs.
There is also interest from a Romanian club as well as an Emirati professional football club based in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.
However, the player’s first preference would be to stay overseas and continue playing at a higher level.
“You can never say never in football. Maybe I will come back to South Africa, even though I still want to grow in Europe. We never know about my future, I can’t rule out playing for a PSL club,” he told SABC Sport.
WHY KAIZER CHIEFS ARE AHEAD
One of the most likely destinations for Cele is Chiefs, who would give him a fighting chance to be on the plane to the AFCON in January.
Amakhosi have already tabled a long-term offer, as well as Babina Noko. It could now come down to who would be offering a more enticing package.
However, Chiefs have the advantage of being a big club, and a move there makes sense for the star midfielder should the overseas offers take longer to materialise.
Another potential destination for Cele is AS FAR Rabat of Morocco. The recently crowned Moroccan champions are looking to add top talent to their squad. Cele could be a good fit for the Moroccan side. He would have the opportunity to play in the CAF Champions League.
It is also possible that Cele could move up to the UAE. An unnamed club in the UAE Pro League is reportedly keen to snap up the player. They are also said to be preparing an offer.
The Radomiak Radom midfield maestro showed his class in the 2023 COSAFA Cup edition. He started all four opening matches and was named Man-of-the-match against Namibia.
He’s expected to make a decision next week, with the DStv Premiership set to start on 4 August 2023. That, again, puts Chiefs ahead as they have already made their offer while the league kicks off next weekend.
Only time will tell where Cele will end up. However, one thing is for sure: he is a talented player with a bright future ahead of him.
RELATED STORY: Thabo Cele opens up on his ambitions
