Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has spoken candidly on the futures of Thabo Cele and Glody Lilepo, confirming that the midfielder is not in his plans while acknowledging that the Congolese winger is closing in on an exit from Naturena.
Both players were high-profile absentees from Amakhosi’s pre-season tour of Spain, in what could be a clear indication that their time with the Soweto giants is coming to an end ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
The former South Africa junior international joined Chiefs 18 months ago as a marquee signing in January 2025. However, as previously reported by FARPost, discussions are now underway between Cele and the Chiefs hierarchy over a potential mutual termination of his contract.
FARPost has established that the 29-year-old’s future at Naturena hangs by a thread, with both parties actively exploring an amicable parting of ways. The development marks a stark turnaround for a player who arrived at Naturena under high expectations just over a year ago.
In his first six months with Amakhosi, Cele established himself as a key figure under former head coach Nasreddine Nabi, playing a pivotal role in ending the club’s 10-year silverware drought by lifting the 2025 Nedbank Cup.
However, the midfielder fell out of favour during the previous campaign following persistent injury struggles and a dip in form. Overall, Cele has made 36 appearances across all competitions for Chiefs.
‘THABO CELE NOT IN MY ON MY PLANS’ – DA CRUZ
On the other hand, Lilepo’s chapter at Naturena is also drawing to a close. FARPost previously reported that Chiefs are in the final stages of concluding the DR Congo international’s transfer to Libyan giants Al Ahly Benghazi, with all parties aligned on the deal.
This publication understands that personal terms between the winger and the North African outfit have already been settled. The two clubs are now putting the final touches on the transfer, with confidence high on both sides that the move will be finalised imminently once the remaining administrative processes are wrapped up.
Addressing the futures of both players, head coach Da Cruz confirmed that Cele is surplus to requirements while acknowledging that Lilepo is actively finalising his departure. He was speaking to the media on Friday at the Kaizer Chiefs Village as Amakhosi prepare to take on Zimbabwe’s Scottland FC on Sunday, 26 July 2026, at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace in Rustenburg.
“First of all, Lilepo has other opportunities elsewhere, and the management is open to listening [to offers],” Da Cruz explained. “As for Thabo Cele, we have a lot of players in his position, and I prefer other profiles. For the moment, he is not in my plans.”
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