Kaizer Chiefs have issued a definitive statement regarding their transfer strategy for the upcoming Betway Premiership season. Head coach Fernando Da Cruz has indicated that midfielder Thabo Cele will not be part of his plans for the 2026/27 campaign.
This announcement concludes weeks of speculation about Cele’s role at Naturena, raising new questions about the next steps for the former Chiefs midfielder. As the team undergoes significant changes under Da Cruz, Cele appears to be among the notable players affected by this transition.
Cele joined Kaizer Chiefs in 2025 from the Russian club Fakel Voronezh, quickly becoming a key player in midfield. In his inaugural season, he totaled 29 appearances and was instrumental in ending the club’s decade-long trophy drought by lifting the Nedbank Cup.
His progress, however, was hindered by injuries in the subsequent season, limiting him to just 21 appearances as health issues impacted his contributions.
During a press conference for the Toyota Cup on Friday, Da Cruz clearly outlined his stance on Cele’s situation.
“For Thabo Cele, I’ve got a lot of players in Thabo Cele’s position,” said Da Cruz.
“I prefer a different type of players in his position and he’s not in my plans for this season.”
“So, the preference is on all the other profiles, so for the moment he is not in the plan.”
These remarks indicate a strong likelihood that Chiefs are ready to move forward without Cele as they continue in their squad overhaul.
There are already reports linking Cele to a possible transfer before the closure of the transfer window. It is suggested that talks for an early departure are in progress, with a potential return to Europe also being considered.
Da Cruz also reiterated that Kaizer Chiefs’ transfer dealings are not yet complete.
The club remains focused on acquiring four more players, targeting a winger, two strikers, and an attacking midfielder, with recruitment efforts ongoing.
These planned additions reflect the club’s commitment to assembling a squad capable of competing for titles after their recent success in ending a lengthy trophy drought.
Looking ahead, all eyes are on Sunday’s Toyota Cup match against Zimbabwe’s Scottland FC. This game will serve as an important test for Da Cruz to evaluate his squad before the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season kicks off.
As further transfer movements are anticipated in the coming weeks, it appears increasingly probable that Cele’s journey will take him away from Naturena.
