Kaizer Chiefs have parted ways with midfielder Thabo Cele after the two parties reached a mutual agreement to terminate his contract.
The decision brings an end to Cele’s one-and-a-half-year spell with Amakhosi, during which the Bafana Bafana international made 36 appearances, starting 23 matches.
Cele’s future at the club had been uncertain following the arrival of head coach Fernando da Cruz, who indicated before the start of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season that the midfielder was not part of his plans.
I prefer a different type of players in his position and he’s not in my plans for this season,” Da Cruz said.
The 28-year-old was subsequently left out of Chiefs’ pre-season camp in Spain as Da Cruz began reshaping his squad ahead of the new campaign.
Chiefs have now confirmed that Cele is free to pursue a new opportunity, with the midfielder set to enter the free-agent market.
The departure is another indication of the changes being made at Naturena as Da Cruz continues to put his stamp on the Chiefs squad.