Thabo Cele: SA Star Opens Up on Difficult Kaizer Chiefs Exit Before Joining Mamelodi Sundowns
- Sundowns midfielder Thabo Cele revealed he was left behind when Kaizer Chiefs travelled abroad for their pre-season camp amid a compensation dispute
- The 29-year-old spoke about how he handled the uncertainty surrounding his departure from Amakhosi before completing his move
- The South African midfielder was part of the Mamelodi Sundowns squad that lifted the MTN8 trophy after defeating Orlando Pirates in the final
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Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Thabo Cele has shed light on the difficult circumstances that surrounded his departure from Kaizer Chiefs, revealing that he had to work hard to stay focused during a prolonged and unsettling exit process.
The 29-year-old was notably absent when Amakhosi departed for their pre-season camp overseas, having been left behind while the two clubs negotiated a compensation agreement that delayed his transfer.
**Cele Describes Mental Resolve During Uncertain Exit**
Speaking publicly about the ordeal, Cele said he chose to shut out external noise and concentrate on his own development during what was clearly a testing period.
"For me, it's always been the same thing to keep on working hard, focus on myself, forget the distractions that are outside," said Cele.
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"Since growing up, when I was young, I always wanted to find myself and work to be in this kind of position. So, me being here, it's massive and also a motivation to go to the next level."
**MTN8 Title Win Adds to the Moment**
Cele's reflections came shortly after Sundowns secured the MTN8 title, defeating Orlando Pirates in the final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. The victory marked the club's second trophy of the season and their first MTN8 title in some time.
For Cele, the win carried particular meaning given what he had gone through to arrive at Chloorkop.
"First of all, I'd like to give thanks to the most high for this moment, this opportunity," he said.
"It's a blessing to be part of this team because it's a team that's always, you know, looking for more. And today, we went in the game looking to win the final because it's been a while since we won this MTN8. So, yeah, it's a blessing to be part of this team."
His arrival at Sundowns caps a turbulent transfer window that drew attention to the complexities of player movement between rival PSL clubs, particularly when compensation disputes slow what would otherwise be straightforward negotiations.
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Source: Briefly News
