Former Kaizer Chiefs defender David Kannemeyer says the Soweto giants blundered by releasing midfielder Thabo Cele, who later joined Mamelodi Sundowns.

The central midfielder was a surprise omission from the Amakhosi squad that travelled to Spain for pre-season training, before the club announced his departure after the 2026/27 season had already started. But Sundowns leapt to sign him as a free agent in September after his one-and-a-half-season stint at Naturena. 

Just two games into life at Chloorkop, Cele is already a FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup and MTN8 winner. This is despite just 49 minutes of action under his belt at a club where competition for places is stiffer.

More responsibility is expected of him as Sundowns fight to wrestle the Betway Premiership title from Orlando Pirates. The Brazilians are also bidding to defend the CAF Champions League, win the CAF Super Cup and reach the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final.

Amakhosi’s decision to part ways with Cele appears to have come back to haunt coach Fernando da Cruz. The Frenchman has turned to Reeve Frosler for central midfield duties in the absence of the injured duo Siphesihle Ndlovu and Lebohang Maboe. 

KAIZER CHIEFS URGED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR CELE DECISION

Cele’s release drew mixed reactions, with Chiefs slammed in some quarters for erring while Sundowns were painted as sharp in the transfer market. Kannemeyer sees the decision as reflecting poorly on Amakhosi’s transfer business.

“I think it’s obvious that it’s all over the world like this. One coach or technical director or whoever it is who signs players always has a different opinion,” Kannemeyer told FARPost in an interview.

“I think [Sundowns coach Miguel] Cardoso saw something different, and he took the opportunity and gave this boy a chance. At the end of the day, it also basically goes down to how much the player [wants] if he gets a contract, whether at Sundowns, Chiefs or wherever.

“But obviously Sundowns have seen something different. He has got his opportunity now, and let’s hope everything goes the best for him. 

“Yes, surely [Da Cruz risks being judged as miscalculating on transfers]. People must take responsibility. I don’t know who is signing players at any club, but it is obviously coming from the technical team, the director of sport, or the chairman of the club.

“It comes down to everyone who makes decisions. In my opinion, I would think that whoever made the decision made a mistake. But having said that, that’s football. It is what it is. The boy is at Sundowns, and let’s wish him everything of the best.”