Kaizer Chiefs are believed to be lining up a few experienced campaigners ahead of the January transfer window.
Chiefs have had an indifferent start to the season, which has seen them rely a lot on younger players.
Despite a positive early start, Chiefs have lost two games in the league, before a heavy cup defeat. That coming in the form of a 4-0 loss to rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in the quarter-finals of the Carling Knockout Cup. After that game, coach Nasreddine Nabi made it clear that his charges needed more senior players around. One of the departments they lack experience in has been the midfield.
Chiefs need midfield experience
In the off-season, Chiefs brought back academy product Njabulo Blom on a loan deal from St. Louis City from the MLS. Besides that, their only experienced midfielders are captain Yusuf Maart, the injured Edson Castillo and the previously exiled Sibongiseni Mthethwa. Youngster Samkelo Zwane has come under fire for some of his inconsistent displays, which has prompted calls for more experience.
That has since Chiefs linked with the likes of Bongani Zungu, formerly of Mamelodi Sundowns and Feisal Salum of Azam. But before all of those links, the club has constantly been linked to Bafana Bafana international midfielder Thabo Cele. The 27-year-old has been playing abroad for around a decade now, including his youth football in Portugal.
Cele now plays in the Russian topflight for Fakel Voronezh. Now according to Soccer-Laduma, the player may be home sick and fancying a return to South Africa.
Cele back on the wishlist?
“The 27-year-old is reportedly considering a return to the South African domestic scene in 2025.
Sources close to the player suggest that after almost a decade away from home he wants to be closer to his family and his desire to rejoin the national team fold is driving this potential move back to the PSL with his last appearance coming in the COSAFA Cup in 2023. Although the exact club Cele will join remains unclear, there is a strong possibility he will make a move to the Betway Premiership next year.” Wrote the publication.
With Chiefs previous admirers and the club Cele has admitted to love, could a deal finally be on cards? Amakhosi family, do you need him in your midfield? Feel free to leave your thoughts and feelings below.
