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Why Thabo Cele wanted to play for Kaizer Chiefs

Thabo Cele has broken his silence on his Kaizer Chiefs move, revealing the reasons behind his desire to play for the Soweto giants.

Cele joined Chiefs in the January transfer window after parting ways with Russian side FC Fakel Voronezh.

The highly-rated midfielder signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Amakhosi, with an option for an additional year.

Just a week after arriving at Naturena,  Cele made his Chiefs debut in the high-profile Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates at a packed FNB Stadium last Saturday.

The Soweto Derby game in the Betway Premiership saw Cele, who has played overseas for clubs like Benfica, Real SC, Cova Piedade in Portugal, and Radomiak in Poland, fulfil a lifelong dream by donning the famous Gold and Black colours of Amakhosi.

THABO CELE REVEALS REASONS BEHIND KAIZER CHIEFS MOVE

Thabo Cele with his Kaizer Chiefs teammates during a training session
Thabo Cele. Picture by Kaizer Chiefs/X

“I recently posted on social media my first interview from Portugal, about how we go to Europe trying to get into the big leagues over there, but ever since I was a kid, I wanted to play for Kaizer Chiefs because I love the Club,” said Cele.

“Eventually, it happened. It has been a process because there were rumours floating around in previous years, and now I am here. It was God’s plan for me.”

Having achieved his ambition of joining The Glamour Boys, Cele says he feels at home at Naturena, citing the warm welcome he and his family received.

In addition, Cele, with two appearances under his belt so far, expressed his desire to contribute to Chiefs’ resurgence under coach Nasreddine Nabi and help end their near decade-long trophy drought.

“I don’t know how to explain the feeling,” he said. “From the first minute I landed at the airport, the welcome I got from the club was amazing, not only for me but for my family. People at home went crazy, calling me to say how happy they were.

“So, for me, it’s a massive opportunity to be at such a big team and be able to grow as a player… and hopefully help the club through this process because we feel we are on the right track to ultimately win trophies again.”

“There is a sense of positivity from the guys in the squad, as well as everybody at the Club, even the security staff. I am also a guy who likes to exude positivity so it was really nice to come into this environment.”

RELATED STORY: ‘His career exploded in one moment’: Thabo Cele on ex-teammate João Félix

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