KickAIMatches
Thabo Cele
Kaizer Chiefs

Thabo Cele

Midfielder at Kaizer Chiefs

🌍 ZAMidfielder#21🎂 28 years📏 178cm👟 Both

Current Team: Kaizer Chiefs

Market Value
€0.4M
SofaScore Rating
7.10

📊 Season Summary

All competitions • Real data
Thabo Cele Season by Season Statistics
SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssistsRating
25/26South African Premier Division10007.10
25/26CAF Confederations Cup1006.70
24/25South African Premier Division11007.02
24/25Russian Cup501-
24/25Russian Premier League9006.80
23/24Russian Premier League9006.59
22/23Ekstraklasa20017.03
21/22Ekstraklasa13006.82
2021Olympic Games-00-
20/21Liga Portugal 2-00-
📅 Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Data: Official league records

📋 Match Log

Last 15 matches
Thabo Cele Recent Match Performance Log
DateCompetitionRating
Feb 1, 2025South African Premier Division6.7
Feb 4, 2025South African Premier Division6.6
Feb 7, 2025South African Premier Division6.8
Feb 18, 2025South African Premier Division7.2
Mar 1, 2025South African Premier Division6.9
Mar 12, 2025South African Premier Division8.1
Mar 16, 2025South African Premier Division7.7
Mar 29, 2025South African Premier Division6.9
Apr 19, 2025South African Premier Division7.0
Apr 26, 2025South African Premier Division6.6
May 3, 2025South African Premier Division6.7
Aug 10, 2025South African Premier Division7.7
Aug 13, 2025South African Premier Division6.6
Aug 19, 2025South African Premier Division7.5
Aug 27, 2025South African Premier Division6.7
⚽ Performance ratings tracked per match. Data sourced from official match statistics.

⚡ Player Characteristics

Strengths

✓ Heading

📈 Career Totals

Aggregated across 14 seasons, 8 competitions
0
Career Goals
2
Career Assists
78
Total Apps
46
Full Games

👥 Teammates at Kaizer Chiefs

Full Squad →
Flávio Silva
Flávio Silva
F
Khanyisa Erick Mayo
Khanyisa Erick Mayo
F
Etiosa Godspower Ighodaro
Etiosa Godspower Ighodaro
F
Ashley Du Preez
Ashley Du Preez
F
Luke Baartman
Luke Baartman
F
Naledi Hlongwane
Naledi Hlongwane
F
Donay Jansen
Donay Jansen
F
Tashreeq Morris
Tashreeq Morris
F
Mduduzi Shabalala
Mduduzi Shabalala
M

📊 Season Statistics

South African Premier Division 25/26
10 appearances
0
Goals
0
Assists
7.10
Rating
586
Minutes
7
Shots
6
Key Passes
14
Tackles
10
Interceptions

🏳️ International Career

South Africa|5 caps0 goals

📝 About Thabo Cele

Thabo Cele is a 28-year-old ZA professional footballer who plays as a midfielder. Currently representing Kaizer Chiefs, Thabo Cele stands at 178cm and is predominantly both-footed. With a market valuation of €370K, Thabo Cele represents a developing talent in today's transfer market.

Thabo Cele's professional career began at their academy. Over their career, Thabo Cele has made 10 transfers. The most recent move saw Thabo Cele join Kaizer Chiefs in 2025.

This season, Thabo Cele has contributed to the team in 10 appearances. Accumulating 586 minutes, averaging 59 per game.

On the international stage, Thabo Cele represents South Africa with 5 caps. International debut came in 2017.

🎯

Expert Tactical Profile

KickAI Scouting Analysis

This tactical analysis and scouting report on Thabo Cele has been compiled by the KickAI Analytics Team. Our assessment covers Thabo Cele's role as a midfielder at Kaizer Chiefs, examining their ZA playing style, statistical performance, tactical contributions, and future potential. Data is updated after every matchday.

Player Archetype

Box-to-Box

Thabo Cele profiles as a tireless engine who contributes at both ends of the pitch. Elite qualities include heading, which make them a threat in aerial battles. At 28, experience now matches physical capability – peak performance window.

Formation Fit

Best deployed in:

4-3-3 (central midfield)4-2-3-1 (as part of the double pivot or attacking trio)

✅ Key Strengths

  • heading

⚠️ Development Areas

  • No significant weaknesses identified

**Playing Style**: Thabo Cele fits the profile of a modern Box-to-Box – a tireless engine who contributes at both ends of the pitch.

✨ What Makes Them Special

What sets Thabo Cele apart from other midfielders? It's the combination of heading that creates a unique profile. This season's 7.1 average rating proves these qualities are translating to consistent performances.

🔄 Career Turning Point

The Defining Move: Thabo Cele's career trajectory changed in 2016 when their previous club agreed to let them join Real SC. Though not a high-profile transfer, this move proved pivotal for Thabo Cele's development. This transfer opened doors to a new league, new challenges, and new opportunities to showcase their talents.

🔮 Future Outlook

Future Outlook: In their prime at 28, Thabo Cele should be targeting their best seasons now. This is the window for major trophies, national team recognition, and potential big-money moves.

📊 Premiership 25/26 Analysis

In the current season, Thabo Cele has made 10 appearances in their competition. With an average rating of 7.10, Thabo Cele has been excellent. Accumulating 586 minutes, Thabo Cele averages 59 minutes per game.

🔥 Recent Form

Over the last 5 matches, Thabo Cele has maintained solid form with an average rating of 6.84. Performance ratings ranged from 6.6 to 7.2, demonstrating reliable consistency.

📈 Form Guide (Last 15 Matches)

OldestLatest

📊 Performance Statistics

How Thabo Cele compares to league average this season

📅 Appearances10
0Avg: 1538
⭐ Average Rating7.1
0Avg: 6.510
⏱️ Minutes Played586
0Avg: 9003420
🎯 Shots on Target2
0Avg: 1060

Yellow line = league average. Green = above average performance.

🩺 Player Status & Availability

Fitness Status

Available

No reported injuries

📋Contract Status

Under Contract

Current club: Kaizer Chiefs

🔄Transfer Rumors

No Active Rumors

Last updated: 1/14/2026

📈Market Trend

€0.4M

SofaScore estimate

💹 Career Value Trajectory

Transfer fee history and market value trend

2025
No team→Kaizer Chiefs
-
2025
Fakel Voronezh→No team
-
2023
Radomiak Radom→Fakel Voronezh
-
2021
No team→Radomiak Radom
-
2021
CD Cova da Piedade→No team
-
2018
SL Benfica B U21→CD Cova da Piedade
Free
2018
Real SC→SL Benfica B U21
-
2018
SL Benfica B U21→Real SC
-

Showing 8 of 10 transfers

🔥 Recent Performance (12 Months)

Avg Rating: 7.04
2/1/2025South African Premier Division
6.7
2/4/2025South African Premier Division
6.6
2/7/2025South African Premier Division
6.8
2/18/2025South African Premier Division
7.2
3/1/2025South African Premier Division
6.9
3/12/2025South African Premier Division
8.1
3/16/2025South African Premier Division
7.7
3/29/2025South African Premier Division
6.9
4/19/2025South African Premier Division
7.0
4/26/2025South African Premier Division
6.6
5/3/2025South African Premier Division
6.7
8/10/2025South African Premier Division
7.7
8/13/2025South African Premier Division
6.6
8/19/2025South African Premier Division
7.5
8/27/2025South African Premier Division
6.7

Showing last 15 matches. Based on SofaScore statistical ratings.

💰 Transfer History

10 transfers
DateFromToFee
1/27/2025No teamKaizer Chiefs-
1/22/2025Fakel VoronezhNo team-
8/16/2023Radomiak RadomFakel Voronezh-
10/12/2021No teamRadomiak Radom-
7/1/2021CD Cova da PiedadeNo team-
7/23/2018SL Benfica B U21CD Cova da PiedadeFree
6/30/2018Real SCSL Benfica B U21-
1/4/2018SL Benfica B U21Real SC-
7/1/2017Real SCSL Benfica B U21Free
8/2/2016KZN AcademyReal SCUnknown

📅 Career Progression & Journey

Thabo Cele's professional football journey began at a local academy, where the foundations of their career were established. Like many successful footballers, Thabo Cele developed their skills through dedicated training and competitive youth football before breaking into senior football.

The career path of Thabo Cele has taken them through 7 different clubs, each phase contributing to their development as a professional footballer.

Currently, Thabo Cele represents Kaizer Chiefs, the latest chapter in an evolving career. Having joined in 2025, Thabo Cele continues to develop and contribute to their team's objectives. The experience gained across different clubs and competitions has shaped Thabo Cele into the player they are today.

📈 Performance Analysis & Context

When evaluating Thabo Cele's performance in context, their average rating of 7.10 positions them among above-average performers for their position. Averaging 59 minutes per appearance indicates rotational presence in the squad. For a midfielder at this level of competition, these statistics provide insight into Thabo Cele's impact and role within their team's tactical setup.

🔗 Related Content & Categories

Explore more content related to Thabo Cele, including teammates, similar players, and competition information.

Kaizer Chiefs(Current club)ZA footballers(Players from ZA)Top midfielders(Best players in this position)No team(Former club)Fakel Voronezh(Former club)Radomiak Radom(Former club)

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Thabo Cele

What position does Thabo Cele play?▼
Thabo Cele is a professional midfielder who currently plays for Kaizer Chiefs. As a midfielder, Thabo Cele is primarily responsible for controlling the midfield, linking defense to attack, and box-to-box contributions.
How old is Thabo Cele?▼
Thabo Cele is 28 years old, born on January 15, 1997. At 28, Thabo Cele is in their peak years as a professional footballer.
What team does Thabo Cele play for in 2026?▼
Thabo Cele currently plays for Kaizer Chiefs. They joined the club in 2025.
How tall is Thabo Cele?▼
Thabo Cele stands at 178cm (5'10") tall. This height is typical for a midfielder.
What is Thabo Cele's market value in 2026?▼
Thabo Cele's current estimated transfer market value is €370K according to professional football valuation metrics. Market values fluctuate based on form, age, and contract situation.
What nationality is Thabo Cele?▼
Thabo Cele is a ZA footballer. They represent the ZA national team with 5 international caps.
What are Thabo Cele's career statistics?▼
This season, Thabo Cele has made 10 appearances, scored 0 goals, and provided 0 assists. Their average match rating is 7.10.
Where did Thabo Cele start their career?▼
Thabo Cele's professional career began at a youth academy. Since then, they have made 10 career moves across various clubs.
What is Thabo Cele's preferred foot?▼
Thabo Cele is predominantly both-footed. This less common preference influences their playing style and positioning on the pitch.
What are Thabo Cele's main strengths as a player?▼
Thabo Cele's primary strengths include heading. These attributes make them particularly effective in aerial battles.
How many international caps does Thabo Cele have?▼
Thabo Cele has earned 5 international caps for South Africa, scoring 0 goals at international level. Their international debut came in 2017.
What was Thabo Cele's highest transfer fee?▼
Thabo Cele has primarily moved on free transfers or loan deals throughout their career.
What is Thabo Cele's current form like?▼
Based on their average rating of 7.10 this season, Thabo Cele's current form can be described as excellent. in 10 appearances.
What shirt number does Thabo Cele wear?▼
Thabo Cele wears the number 21 shirt for Kaizer Chiefs. A squad number reflecting their role within the team.
What is Thabo Cele's playing style?▼
As a midfielder, Thabo Cele brings heading to their team. Their tactical flexibility allows them to also operate as a mc or defensive midfielder.
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✓ KickAI Analysis Team

Football analytics experts using AI-enhanced data processing

Statistics sourced from official match data providers. Tactical analysis generated using proprietary algorithms trained on 500,000+ player performances.

📅 Last Updated:

Verify data from official sources:

📊 SofaScore💰 Transfermarkt📚 Wikipedia

📋 Quick Facts

Full Name
Thabo Cele
Nationality
ZA
Age
28 years
Height
178 cm
Position
Midfielder
Foot
Both
Shirt
#21

📅 Season Stats

0
Goals
0
Assists
10
Apps
7.10
Rating

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