Cele Eager To Be The Difference At Chiefs

Midfielder Thabo Cele has hit the ground running at Kaizer Chiefs, gradually becoming the team's knight in shining armour during a very dark time for the club.

Chiefs' Aim To End Drought

Cele returned to SA football during the summer transfer window as he joined his childhood club, Chiefs, following various spells in Europe.

The 28-year-old arrived at Amakhosi during a turbulent time as they are enduring a 10-year-trophy drought after recently falling from grace.

Coach Nasreddine Nabi, who was expected to be the team's 'messiah' this season, has struggled in his strides as the team's chance of winning a trophy now solely lies in the Nedbank Cup.

Chiefs will face either Mamelodi Sundowns or Sekhukhune United in the Nedbank Cup semi-final on a date and venue set to be confirmed by the PSL.

A triumph for Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup will not only end their trophy drought, but it will qualify them for the CAF Confederation Cup next season.

The Cele Effect

Amid their struggles, Cele has been a beacon of hope for the team and Amakhosi faithful since his arrival, thanks to his exploits in the middle of the park.

The staunch Chiefs supporter, speaking to the club's media department this week, has opened up on what has made his adaptation seamless at the Naturena based club.

"I think it has been the environment, teammates and technical team that I have found here which has made my adaptation easier," Cele said.

"I think my heart has always been here as well. I have been working on my own individual dreams, but at the same time, I think it was always something that was going to happen for me to come here.

"So, I feel good that I am here. I am here to try and help the team so that we can achieve our objectives as the team and club."

Chiefs Target Top Finish

Chiefs will return to action on Saturday (3.30pm kick-off) after the FIFA international break when they visit Golden Arrows at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban, in a Betway Premiership clash.

A win from that match might not only see them bounce back to winning ways after losing their last clash away to Richards Bay, but it could see them climb up on the log.

Chiefs are currently eighth on the log with 29 points, six behind the third-place Stellenbosch who have played one game less.

"Well, we have to have a positive mind and try to share things among ourselves. It's football, and life. So, you fall and rise, that's how you look at it," Cele said.

"We are trying to feed that fire for the next game because it's very important [that we try to bounce back to winning ways]."

Cele Eye Perfect KZN Visit

Born in KwaMashu, a township just outside Durban, Cele will be making his homecoming in the clash against Abafana Bes'thende.

And given that the KZN-based side is on a high, following the return of coach Manqoba Mngqithi to the club, Cele has noted how much they've improved.

"I think Golden Arrows have always been a competitive team. Even now with the new changes, and what I saw in the game that I watched, they are a team that is positioned-based," he said.

"They keep the ball. So, that's always dangerous because they can be patient, and find spaces. So, we have to be aware of that.

"But in the same breath, we must focus on ourselves and our game [because the most important thing for us]."

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