‘That’s what Thabo Cele is still struggling with’: ‘Yeye’ Letsholonyane
Former Kaizer Chiefs star Reneilwe Letsholonyane has identified Thabo Cele’s struggles in the PSL since joining the Soweto giants in the January transfer window.
Cele penned a deal with the Glamour Boys from Russian club Fakel Voronezh. The talented midfielder has quickly become a fan-favourite in the Betway Premiership with his impressive performances in the middle of the park for Chiefs.
The former SA junior international joined Amakhosi alongside Glody Lilepo and Tashreeq Morris, boosting the quality of the squad under head coach Nasreddine Nabi.
In the first few months in the colours of the Soweto giants, Cele has featured in seven matches in all competitions. The 28-year-old produced a Man-of-the-Match performance when Chiefs defeated Stellenbosch FC 3-1 in the Nedbank Cup quarterfinasl last weekend.
WHAT DID RENEILWE LETSHOLONYANE SAY ABOUT THABO CELE?
While Cele has impressed the ex-Chiefs midfield maestro with his great passing abilities, Letsholonyane says the KZN-born midfielder is still struggling with the intensity of the PSL.
“We can’t even question what Thabo Cele has brought to Kaizer Chiefs because he’s an international player. He has played in Europe for the longest time and played for Bafana Bafana,” Letsholonyane told FARPost.
“So the qualities are definitely there. You can see from the few games that he played that he has made a bit of a difference. He has shown quality in terms of being composed on the ball, not losing it too much, and not rushing.
“The experience of him playing in Europe and for Bafana is now showing. It’s helping the team to be stable. If there’s one thing that I could say and not criticise about Thabo, it’s his intensity in games, that’s what he’s still struggling with and he’ll need time.
“I know at Chiefs you don’t have that much time, especially when results are not forthcoming, but I’m sure when he gets to the right intensity for the PSL, he’ll be the important player more than now for Kaizer Chiefs.”
Meanwhile, Bafana coach Hugo Broos has also acknowledged Cele’s qualities. However, the Belgian mentor revealed that he can’t call any Chiefs players to the national team because their team is not getting positive results.
The Naturena-based side will face Richards Bay FC in the league at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday, 16 March 2025. Kickoff is at 15:30.
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