Thabo Cele speaks out on Kaizer Chiefs exit

The 29-year-old joined Amakhosi as a marquee signing in January 2025 on a free transfer from Russia, following a lengthy pursuit by the Soweto giants. 

However, his stay ended abruptly and shortly after Chiefs terminated his contract, Cele surfaced at Chloorkop.

Reacting publicly for the first time since the saga unfolded, the well-travelled midfielder gave the impression he had moved on.

"For me, football is like life. It's a journey that has difficulties. Going through what I went through to be here, it's still the same thing I've been pushing myself through, focusing on what's coming next. What came next was me being at a club like Sundowns and being here today, and I am so grateful," said Cele.

READ: Ronwen Williams insists Sundowns backing speaks louder than critics

Asked how he dealt with the transition, Cele revealed what was important for him was to block out the noise. 

"For me, it's been the same thing: to keep on working hard and focus on yourself, and forget the distractions that are outside. Since growing up, you always wanted to find yourself and wanted to be in this kind of position, so me being here is massive and also a motivation to go to the next level."

Cele has now picked up two trophies at Sundowns in his brief spell, adding the MTN8 to the African-Asia Pacific Cup before the international break. He touched on that too.

"It's a blessing to be part of this team because it's a team that's always looking for more. We went into the game looking forward to winning the final because it's been a while since we won the MTN8, so it's a blessing to be part of this team."

The midfielder added that he enjoyed Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso’s intensity.