Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Thabo Cele has opened up about his difficult journey at Kaizer Chiefs following his departure from the Soweto giants.
Cele spent 18 months at Amakhosi, helping the club end their 10-year wait for silverware by winning the Nedbank Cup in 2025.
However, the midfielder endured a difficult spell last season, struggling for regular game time before being offloaded by Fernando da Cruz ahead of the current campaign. He was also left out of Chiefs’ pre-season squad that travelled to Spain.
The 29-year-old subsequently joined Sundowns as a free agent, giving him an opportunity to revive his career at one of the country’s biggest clubs.
Although he has not featured regularly since arriving at Chloorkop, Cele has already been part of a Sundowns squad that has lifted two trophies.
Cele left Chiefs after 18 months
Speaking to the media after the MTN8 final, the midfielder reflected on the challenges he faced before joining the Brazilians, describing his journey as difficult but one he had to overcome.
“Football is life; it has been a difficult journey, but one I had to overcome,” Cele told the media after the MTN8 final.
“Going through what I went through to be here, it has been the same thing: pushing myself and focusing on what is coming next.
“And being here today, I’m so grateful. For me, it’s always been the same thing: to keep on working hard, focus on myself, and forget the distractions that are outside.
“So, me being here is massive and also a motivation to go to the next level.”
Before his move to Chiefs, Cele spent much of his professional career in Europe, gaining experience abroad before returning to South Africa.
His switch to Sundowns represents another chapter in his career, with the midfielder now hoping to make a greater impact as he continues to work towards regular playing time.