{
  "id": 6381859,
  "title": "Kaizer Chiefs could regret letting Thabo Cele go if",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/09/kaizer-chiefs-could-regret-letting-thabo-cele-go-if",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-09T04:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sport/soccer/psl/2026-09-09-kaizer-chiefs-could-regret-letting-thabo-cele-go-if/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kaizer Chiefs may look back with regret if they let midfielder Thabo Cele go, especially if it becomes clear he is heading to Mamelodi Sundowns. The midfielder's departure by mutual consent has raised questions about the true reasons behind his exit from the club. While there are rumours of strained relations between Cele and Chiefs management, it is hard to ignore his significant contributions. Two years ago, Cele played a crucial role as part of the Chiefs team that secured the Nedbank Cup, their first trophy in over a decade. At 28, Cele is still at the peak of his career, showcasing his experience, technical skills, and football intelligence. However, the reports linking him to a potential move to Sundowns, the reigning champions of the CAF Champions League, should make Chiefs uneasy. Rather than dismissing the possibility that Cele could flourish in a new environment, the club must consider the implications of his departure. Chiefs are actively rebuilding and aiming to regain their place at the top of South African football. With Orlando Pirates as reigning Betway Premiership champions and Sundowns boasting a continental powerhouse status following their recent CAF Champions League triumph, the stakes are high. The reasons behind the breakdown in Cele's relationship with Chiefs management should be separated from his sporting performance. Given his valuable qualities, it would have been prudent for Chiefs to explore ways to retain his services, particularly if he could add more silverware to their cabinet and assist in their quest for success.",
  "summary": "Kaizer Chiefs could regret releasing Thabo Cele if the midfielder joins Mamelodi Sundowns, especially after helping the club win its only trophy in the past decade.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}