Kaizer Chiefs target Thabo Cele is now officially a free agent after his request to be released from his contract was granted by Russian club FC Fakel Voronezh.
Cele had been with the Russian side since the start of last season, but his time at the club has come to an end due to personal reasons. In a statement released by FC Fakel Voronezh, the club confirmed that Cele had asked for his contract termination, citing serious health issues within his family.
“Due to serious health problems in the family, the midfielder and the club mutually agreed to terminate the contract,” the statement read. The club also mentioned that, according to their agreement, Cele will only be able to join South African clubs until the end of his current contract. “We wish the player good luck in his future career, and good health to his family. All the best to you, Thabo!” the statement concluded.
Now 28, Cele has never played in the PSL, so should any South African team decide to sign him, it would mark his first venture into domestic football.
Cele’s career has taken him across Europe, starting with a move to Real Sport Clube in Portugal in 2016. A year later, he joined the prestigious Benfica. However, his longest stint came between 2018 and 2021 when he played for CD da Cova da Piedade in Portugal, making over 70 appearances for the club. Afterward, he moved to Poland, where he signed with Radomiak, continuing his well-traveled career.
With Cele now available on a free transfer, clubs in South Africa, including Kaizer Chiefs, are reportedly keeping an eye on him as a potential addition to their midfield.
