Thabo Cele Axed: Da Cruz Confirms Chiefs Exit Plan

Fernando Da Cruz has drawn a clear line through Thabo Cele's name at Kaizer Chiefs. The new Amakhosi head coach confirmed at his pre-match press conference on Friday that the KwaMashu-born midfielder has no future at Naturena under his watch for the 2026/27 season.

Da Cruz Explains Midfield Preference

Da Cruz was blunt about it. He told the media he has enough players in Cele's position and that he simply prefers a different type of player in that role. The writing had already been on the wall — Cele was left out of the Chiefs pre-season tour to Spain entirely, a public signal that his days in gold and black were numbered.

It is a painful turn for a player who joined Amakhosi in January 2025 on a three-and-a-half-year deal, fulfilling what was described as a childhood dream. He was part of the squad that won the 2025 Nedbank Cup and made 17 league appearances during the 2025/26 PSL campaign, but injuries and inconsistency kept him from nailing down a regular starting berth. Now the door appears firmly shut.

Cele's Journey From Europe to Chiefs

Cele spent nearly a decade in Europe before returning home, turning out for Real SC, Benfica B, Cova da Piedade, Radomiak Radom and Fakel Voronezh. He has also represented Bafana Bafana at senior level, having previously featured for South Africa at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup and the Tokyo Olympic Games. Reports now suggest his representatives are exploring either a mutual contract termination or a return to European football.

Chiefs have already moved to reinforce the midfield, signing Tanzanian Adolf Mtasingwa Bitegeko ahead of the new campaign. Da Cruz is expected to field his strongest available side when Amakhosi face Zimbabwean champions Scottland FC — who bring Knowledge Musona and Khama Billiat back to South African soil — in the Toyota Cup at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace on Sunday at 15:00, live on SABC 1. That match will offer the first real look at what Da Cruz's Chiefs are building toward.