Mamelodi Sundowns have agreed terms to sign former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele on a free transfer.
Cele, 29, joined Chiefs in January 2025 after nearly a decade in Europe where he was on the books of Real SC, Benfica B, Cova Piedade – all in Portugal – before stints in Poland and Russia.
He became an immediate fan favourite at the club in his season and a half at the Glamour Boys but was left out of their pre-season tour to Spain and deemed surplus to requirements after falling out of favour at the club.
With Chiefs looking to move in a new direction beyond Cele, the club lured Tanzania international Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko from AZAM FC and Cele was notably not involved in any games since.
The club announced his exit on Monday evening, via mutual termination, paving the way for his next move and Sundowns have now move swiftly to secure his services on a two-year deal with an option to extend to bolster their midfield options.
It’s notably a position the club has been looking to strengthen after the untimely, tragic passing of Jayden Adams after the 2026 FIFA World Cup to lessen the load on the likes of Teboho Mokoena and Marcelo Allende this season.
Miguel Cardoso also has Bathusi Aubaas, Sphelele Mkhulise, Gomolemo Kekana and Tsiki Ntsabeleng to be able to feature in various roles in midfield this season.
The deal is expected to be concluded imminently ahead of the official announcement by Masandawana – who also signed Deano van Rooyen this past week on a free transfer after parting ways with Orlando Pirates.