Thabo Cele's Sundowns Move Joins a Legacy of Black Excellence in SA Football
Thabo Cele's transfer to Mamelodi Sundowns is more than a career move. It places the midfielder in a lineage of South African footballers who have carried the weight of expectation at both Kaizer Chiefs and Sundowns, two institutions that have shaped the beautiful game in our country.
Sundowns confirmed Cele's signing this week after he parted ways with Chiefs following a mutual termination of his contract. For Cele, this is another chapter in a journey that took him through Portugal, Poland and Russia before bringing him home.
But his arrival at Chloorkop also connects him to a history that deserves recognition. These are players who have won league titles, lifted continental trophies, captained their sides and become symbols of resilience in a sport that has long been a battleground for Black excellence in South Africa.
From Naturena to Chloorkop: A Path Walked by Legends
Khama Billiat is one of the most recent examples of this journey. The Zimbabwean attacker became a force at Sundowns after joining from Ajax Cape Town in 2013. He was instrumental in the 2016 CAF Champions League triumph before moving to Chiefs in 2018. His Chiefs debut came against his former club, a moment that captured the complexity of these transfers.
Ramahlwe Mphahlele also made the direct switch, leaving Sundowns for Chiefs ahead of the 2016/17 season. The defender spent six seasons with Amakhosi, making 127 official appearances, and captained both clubs. He has since revealed that Orlando Pirates, not Chiefs or Sundowns, was his boyhood dream, a reminder that these moves are often about career, not sentiment.
George Maluleka's transfer was notable because it went the other way. After six years and more than 130 appearances for Chiefs, he joined Sundowns in 2020. He won silverware at Chloorkop, though his time there was shorter than his Chiefs career.
Keagan Dolly followed a similarly significant path. After helping Sundowns win the 2015/16 league title and the 2016 CAF Champions League, he moved to Montpellier before returning home with Chiefs in 2021.
The list goes further back. Kenny Niemach, Katlego Mphela and Derrick Spencer are among the former strikers who represented both clubs. Gaston Sirino is another recent name after spending years at Sundowns before joining Chiefs.
Cele now enters that company.
What Awaits Cele at Sundowns
The circumstances of his move make it particularly compelling. Cele only joined Chiefs in January 2025 after years abroad. He won the Nedbank Cup with Amakhosi and became a key figure in midfield before his departure.
Now he joins a Sundowns squad that has reclaimed its place at the top of the Betway Premiership while carrying the expectations of being the reigning CAF Champions League holders.
The move means Cele will eventually face his former club wearing the colours of a rival. Every player who crosses between Chiefs and Sundowns must confront that reality.
Some have been embraced. Others have faced suspicion. For some, the move has defined their careers.
Cele now has the chance to decide which category he belongs to.
His first task is straightforward: establish himself at Sundowns. If he does, his name will sit alongside some of the most decorated players who have successfully navigated the journey between Naturena and Chloorkop.
Why This Transfer Matters Beyond the Pitch
In a country where football has always been more than a game, these transfers carry cultural weight. Chiefs and Sundowns are not just clubs; they are institutions that have given Black South Africans a stage to demonstrate excellence, discipline and pride.
Cele's move is a reminder that our footballers continue to write their own stories, often against the backdrop of a history that sought to limit their potential. His journey from the streets of South Africa to Europe and back is a testament to the resilience that defines our people.
As he dons the yellow of Sundowns, he carries not just his own ambition, but the hopes of a community that sees in him a reflection of its own determination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which players have played for both Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns?
Players like Khama Billiat, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, George Maluleka, Keagan Dolly, Gaston Sirino, Kenny Niemach, Katlego Mphela and Derrick Spencer have all represented both clubs. Thabo Cele now joins this list.
When did Thabo Cele join Mamelodi Sundowns?
Sundowns officially announced Cele's signing in September 2026, after he left Kaizer Chiefs following a mutual termination of his contract.
What has Thabo Cele won in South African football?
Cele won the Nedbank Cup with Kaizer Chiefs in 2025. He is now aiming for more silverware with Sundowns, who are the reigning CAF Champions League holders.