Kaizer Chiefs’ pursuit of Thabo Cele hits a snag

Kaizer Chiefs’ pursuit of Bafana Bafana star Thabo Cele is in limbo, as the two parties have yet to reach an agreement on terms.

In recent weeks, the 26-year-old midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to the Glamour Boys. 

Cele’s contract with Radomiak comes to an end in June 2024. However, the Polish side is willing to release the midfield maestro if he receives a good deal.

The KZN Academy graduate was one of the players who performed well for Bafana at the 2023 COSAFA Cup. Cele started all four opening matches at the regional tournament, doing what he does best in the middle of the park for Morena Ramoreboli’s side. 

His stellar displays were too good against Namibia as he won the Man of the Match accolade after the showdown.

“The Thabo Cele to Kaizer Chiefs deal seems to have hit a snag,” said digital scout and overseas player monitor Prince Sobayeni in an interview with FARPost. 

“The player’s camp said they have been negotiating with Kaizer Chiefs for some time. But they are struggling to reach an agreement in terms of the player’s personal terms.

KAIZER CHIEFS’ NEGOTIATIONS WITH THABO CELE HANG IN BALANCE

“With the player wanting to come back from Europe, it has to be for the right terms. I guess this includes the salary and other aspects of the deal which are important.

“So, if those terms are not met, the player would rather remain overseas and continue with his career, where he is still contracted to his team, who were willing to let him go for free if he finds a good deal. But that seems to be a thing of the past with this Kaizer Chiefs deal stalling.”

Sobayeni continued: “But anything can happen because the deal is still on the table, and anything can happen because the transfer window is still open.

“It will be interesting to see what happens because, at the moment is 50/50, as you know, transfers can take a turn. It will be up to Kaizer Chiefs to persuade the player and push the deal a little bit further.

“For now, we will have to wait and see what happens in the coming days. The transfer window is only closing at the end of the month.”

Cele also did not rule out a move to Amakhosi as he recently stated that ‘anything is possible’ as he considers a move to the Soweto giants. However, he said his “intention is always to climb a ladder” because of his dream of playing in the big leagues in Europe.

“It is always possible [PSL move], especially when the transfer window is open,” said Cele in Durban during the COSAFA Cup. “And I won’t lie, it’s something that you consider because sometimes you find it tough [abroad], and you think about all other things.”

CHIEFS NOT THE ONLY TEAM INTERESTED IN CELE’S SERVICES

Amakhosi are not the only team that is keen on signing the defensive midfielder. 

Some of the clubs that are said to be interested in Cele’s signature are Morocco’s AS FAR Rabat, Sekhukhune United, AmaZulu, and MLS side St Louis City SC, to mention a few. 

At this moment, the decision on the future of the Bafana star is not clear. But it’s only a matter of time before we find out about his next move. 

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