Thabo Cele uses Portuguese term to highlight Miguel Inacio’s importance
Newly signed Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele has used a Portuguese term to highlight Angolan defender Miguel Inacio’s importance to the club.
Cele joined Amakhosi in January after leaving Russian side Fakel Voronezh in January 2025.
He is gradually settling in at Chiefs, having been introduced as a substitute against Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby and started against AmaZulu FC and Stellenbosch FC in the Betway Premiership.
Inacio, on the other hand, has been with the club since the start of the season. Interestingly, Cele speaks Portuguese, having spent seven years playing in Portugal. Portuguese is the official language of Angola, fostering a strong connection between the two.
Inacio posted a training picture of Cele on his Instagram story and tagged the former South Africa youth international.
WHAT PORTUGUESE TERM DID THABO CELE USE TO HIGHLIGHT INACIO’S IMPORTANCE?
The KwaMashu-born midfielder shared Inacio’s story and added a Portuguese term. The 28-year-old midfielder wrote: “Xerife”. The direct translation of the Portuguese word is sheriff. It means a chief law officer tasked with maintaining peace and order.
Since joining the Glamour Boys, Inacio has been a regular in defence alongside Rushwin Dortley. The former Petro de Luanda centre-back has made 17 appearances in all competitions. He has scored two goals. He has captained the team four times in the absence of Yusuf Maart.
Chiefs academy graduate Wandile Dube has previously hailed the defender as a leader in the squad.
“That one [Miguel] is a true leader, I’m not going to lie. He is so encouraging, especially to us youngsters. He likes to see us do well, so he pushes us a lot,” Duba told journalists.
Cele and Inacio are expected to play a part when Chiefs welcome Chippa United for the Nedbank Cup Last 16 on Saturday at FNB Stadium. Kick off is 18h00.
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