Willard Katsande has questioned Kaizer Chiefs' decision to release midfielder Thabo Cele to league rivals Mamelodi Sundowns. The former Amakhosi player spoke out as the club's current form highlights ongoing concerns about their midfield depth.
"Personally, I thought he was brilliant for us," he said. "I liked his game a lot, to be honest." Cele arrived at Naturena in January 2025 and spent 18 months with the club before his release a few weeks ago, with Sundowns moving quickly to secure his signature.
The criticism comes during a period where Kaizer Chiefs have found wins hard to come by. They are currently fourth in the Premier Soccer League with 13 points from seven matches, but have drawn four of their last five fixtures. Their most recent outing was a goalless stalemate away to Golden Arrows on 20 September, part of an unbeaten but frustrating run where they have taken just seven points from a possible 15. The team has scored 12 goals this season, averaging 1.71 goals per game, but converting draws into wins is the immediate challenge.
Midfield questions remain
Cele's replacement, Tanzanian midfielder Adolf Mtaswinga, has struggled to settle and is yet to make a meaningful impression. This has left a gap in the engine room, with the team now seven points behind leaders Sundowns, the very club that snapped up Cele. The situation puts a spotlight on the club's recruitment strategy at a key moment in the season, with their next fixture a key home match against Stellenbosch on 5 October.
Katsande acknowledged the broader context of squad planning. "But football is like that," he added. "At the end of the season, the club has to sit down, review, and decide which direction they want to go."
One bright spot has been the form of Lebohang Maboe, a standout performer who scored in the 1-1 draw with Polokwane City earlier this month. He was substituted during the Arrows match, though not due to any serious injury concern. Fans can check the latest team news and availability on the club's injuries page.
With 12 goals scored and seven conceded so far, the foundation is there, but converting draws into wins is the immediate challenge. Stellenbosch currently sit seventh, making it a key fixture for Chiefs to build momentum before the league table begins to solidify.
First reported at Briefly News
