Mamelodi Sundowns Reach Agreement to Sign Former Kaizer Chiefs Star for Free This Summer
- Mamelodi Sundowns moved swiftly to secure Thabo Cele after Kaizer Chiefs terminated his contract by mutual agreement on Monday
- The South African international spent a season and a half at the Glamour Boys after nearly a decade playing club football in Europe
- Sundowns have been actively strengthening their midfield options following a tragic loss in the squad earlier this year
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Mamelodi Sundowns have agreed terms to sign midfielder Thabo Cele on a free transfer following the 29-year-old's departure from Kaizer Chiefs, with the deal expected to be finalised ahead of a formal club announcement.
Chiefs confirmed Cele's exit on Monday evening through a mutual termination of his contract. The club had left him out of their pre-season tour to Spain and sidelined him from match involvement after signing Tanzania international Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko from AZAM FC, signalling a shift in their midfield plans.
Cele's road to Sundowns
Cele joined Kaizer Chiefs in January 2025 following a prolonged stint in European football, having represented Real SC, Benfica B and Cova Piedade in Portugal before moving on to clubs in Poland and Russia.
Despite arriving mid-season, he quickly won over supporters at Naturena and was regarded as a fan favourite during his time at the club.
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Sundowns are set to tie him down on a two-year deal, with an option to extend the agreement further. The signing comes as Masandawana seek to add depth to their midfield, a priority that grew more pressing following the death of Jayden Adams after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Midfield depth under Miguel Cardoso
Head coach Miguel Cardoso currently has Teboho Mokoena, Marcelo Allende, Bathusi Aubaas, Sphelele Mkhulise, Gomolemo Kekana and Tsiki Ntsabeleng as midfield options. Cele's arrival is intended to ease the burden on that group and provide additional versatility across the engine room.
The capture of Cele is not Sundowns' only recent business. The Pretoria club also secured the signature of Deano van Rooyen this past week on a free transfer, with the defender departing Orlando Pirates before joining Masandawana.
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Source: Briefly News
