Fernando Da Cruz Confirms Thabo Cele Is Not in Kaizer Chiefs Plans for 2026/27 Season
Kaizer Chiefs have made one of their clearest transfer statements ahead of the new Betway Premiership campaign, with head coach Fernando Da Cruz confirming that midfielder Thabo Cele has no place in his plans for the 2026/27 season.
The announcement brings an end to weeks of uncertainty surrounding the midfielder’s future at Naturena and raises fresh questions about where the former Amakhosi star will continue his career. With Chiefs actively reshaping their squad and preparing for a new era under Da Cruz, Cele appears to have become one of the biggest casualties of the club’s rebuild.
Cele arrived at Kaizer Chiefs in 2025 from Russian side Fakel Voronezh and quickly established himself as an important figure in midfield. During his debut season, he made 29 appearances across all competitions and played a key role in helping Amakhosi end their decade long wait for silverware by lifting the Nedbank Cup.
His momentum, however, was interrupted by injuries during the following campaign. The KwaZulu Natal born midfielder managed only 21 appearances in all competitions as fitness problems limited his impact.
Speaking during the Toyota Cup press conference on Friday, Da Cruz left little room for interpretation when discussing Cele’s future.
“For Thabo Cele, I’ve got a lot of players in Thabo Cele’s position,” said Da Cruz.
“I prefer a different type of players in his position and he’s not in my plans for this season.”
“So, the preference is on all the other profiles, so for the moment he is not in the plan.”
The comments represent the strongest indication yet that Chiefs are prepared to move on without the midfielder as they continue to reshape the squad ahead of the new season.
Reports have already linked Cele with a possible departure before the transfer window closes. Discussions over an early exit are believed to be underway, while a return to European football has also emerged as a realistic option for the midfielder.
Da Cruz also confirmed that Kaizer Chiefs are far from finished in the transfer market.
The club is still pursuing four additional signings as management looks to strengthen key areas before the transfer window shuts. Chiefs are searching for a winger, two strikers and an attacking midfielder, with recruitment efforts continuing behind the scenes.
The planned additions underline the club’s determination to build a squad capable of challenging for honours after ending their long trophy drought last season.
Attention now turns to Sunday’s Toyota Cup encounter against Zimbabwean outfit Scottland FC. The fixture will provide Da Cruz with one final opportunity to assess his squad before Kaizer Chiefs begin their 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign.
With transfer activity expected to continue in the coming weeks, Cele’s future now appears increasingly likely to lie away from Naturena.
