Thabo Cele is still expected to play for the Chiefs. Image: The Citizen

Kaizer Chiefs marquee deal can still happen, but it’s hit TWO MAJOR SNAGS

Kaizer Chiefs have real interest in Bafana Bafana midfielder Thabo Cele. However, two major factors are now holding up any potential deal.

by James Freemantle

15-08-2023 08:47

in Premier Soccer League

Thabo Cele is still expected to play for the Chiefs. Image: The Citizen

Not so long ago, it seemed inevitable that Bafana Bafana midfield maestro Thabo Cele would join Kaizer Chiefs. Now, that deal is in the balance.

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Cele’s contract with Radomiak expires in June 2024. However, the Polish Ekstraklasa side are willing to release the deep-lying midfielder if they receive a good offer for the 26-year-old.

“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. “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.”

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Kaizer Chiefs Cele deal in the balance

“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 are not the only team keen on signing deep-lying midfield maestro Thabo Cele. Morocco’s AS FAR Rabat, Sekhukhune United, AmaZulu and MLS side St Louis City SC are just a few of the teams also keen. St. Louis City are especially ironic, given they have former Glamour Boys midfield favourite Njabulo Blom on their books. Will the Glamour Boys rethink any potential move now considering Edson Castillo’s red-hot form and quick acclimatization to South African football? As things stand, the deal for Cele is off.

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