Thabo Cele landed in South Africa on Sunday night and is expected to finalise the transfer to Kaizer Chiefs on Monday. The two parties have reportedly reached an agreement after the talented midfielder was released by FC Fakel Voronezh in Russia last week.
The Soweto giants are said to have tabled an offer for Cele immediately after Fakel terminated the player’s contract. Cele, who was in Turkey for mid-season camp with the Russian side, is said to have agreed personal terms with Amakhosi before flying in on Sunday night.
The 28-year-old’s transfer aligns with his agreement with his former Russian club, which stipulated that he would only join a South African team. The decision to release him stemmed from his need to be closer to his family due to a health issue affecting a family member, ensuring he would not play for another overseas team during this transition.
HOW THABO CELE COULD FIT INTO KAIZER CHIEFS’ TEAM UNDER NASREDDINE NABI
Renowned for his abilities as a deep-lying defensive midfielder, Cele also excels in a box-to-box role. He provides a fresh option for Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi, who has primarily relied on Sibongiseni Mthethwa in the defensive midfield role.
The Durban-born star has long been a target for Amakhosi and could make his debut against Orlando Pirates over the weekend [01 February at FNB Stadium in a league tie].
Meanwhile, Sekhukhune United, who were previously interested in him, withdrew from the pursuit, clearing the path for Chiefs to secure his signature this week. Pirates also reportedly enquired about the player.
He becomes the third signing of the transfer window for Chiefs. The club is set to announce the signing of striker Tashreeq Morris from SuperSport United and winger Makabi Lilepo, who joins from French third-division outfit Valenciennes.
Born in KwaMashu, Cele began his career in 2016 with Portuguese third-division side Real SC after rising through the KZN Academy in South Africa ranks.
He briefly signed with SL Benfica, Portugal’s top club, before returning to Real SC on loan. In 2018, he moved to Cova da Piedade in the Portuguese second division and later joined Polish side Radomiak Radom on a two-year deal after training with the team since September 2021.
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