Thabo Cele’s future at Kaizer Chiefs appears increasingly uncertain after the midfielder was left behind when the club departed for their pre-season training camp in Spain on Thursday night. FARPost was at the airport as Amakhosi checked in for their overseas trip, with Cele notably absent from the travelling squad.
FARPost has established that the 29-year-old’s future at Naturena hangs in the balance, with the player and the club exploring the possibility of parting ways by mutual agreement. The development marks a shocking turn for a player who arrived at Chiefs with high expectations just over a year ago.
Cele joined Amakhosi in January 2025 under then-head coach Nasreddine Nabi, who regarded the midfielder as a key addition to his squad. He signed a three-and-a-half-year contract, with an option to extend the deal by a further year.
However, his fortunes changed during the second half of last season. The former Radomiak Radom midfielder found himself on the fringes of the first team after being dropped from the matchday squad on several occasions. Sources have indicated that the situation left the player frustrated, with his lack of regular involvement raising questions about his long-term future at the club.
THABO CELE ABSENT FROM CHIEFS’ TRAVELING PARTY
FARPost understands discussions are now underway between Cele and the Chiefs hierarchy over a possible mutual termination of his contract.
While no final decision has been reached, his omission from the squad travelling to Spain has further fuelled speculation that his time at the Soweto giants could be drawing to a close.
Chiefs are using the pre-season camp to prepare for the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign, with the Fernando Da Cruz-led technical team expected to assess the squad ahead of the new season. Cele’s absence suggests he is no longer part of those immediate plans as both parties work towards resolving his future.
The former South Africa youth international started two CAF Confederation Cup matches and eight Betway Premiership fixtures last season, adding another 11 appearances as a substitute. That was a notable drop from the previous campaign, when he broke into the side after arriving midway through the season and started 13 matches.
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