By Linda Ximba
Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has confirmed that midfielder Thabo Cele is not part of his plans for the 2026/27 season.
Speaking at the Toyota Cup media briefing on Friday, Da Cruz said he has enough players in Cele’s position and prefers a different type of midfielder for his squad.
“I’ve got a lot of players in Thabo Cele’s position. I prefer a different type of player in his position, and he is not in my plans for this season,” said Da Cruz.
Cele joined Kaizer Chiefs from Russian club Fakel Voronezh in 2025 and made 29 appearances during the 2024/25 season, helping Amakhosi end their 10-year trophy drought by winning the Nedbank Cup. However, injuries limited him to 21 appearances in the most recent campaign.
The coach’s comments have raised speculation that the KwaZulu-Natal-born midfielder could leave the club before the new season begins.
Kaizer Chiefs are now preparing for their Toyota Cup clash against Scottland FC at the Royal Sports Complex on Sunday, 26 July.
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