27th July 2023
The Soweto club’s interest in Cele is nothing new and goes as far back as 2021, when Stuart Baxter was still Amakhosi head coach.
But a possible move fell through at the time, with the player then joining Polish top tier side Radomiak instead.
According to information gathered by the public broadcaster, Cele will become a free agent from 1 August following a decision by Radomiak not to extend his contract further, while also having already signed a replacement.
Cele spent the past few weeks in South Africa, doing duty in the COSAFA Cup squad led by coach Morena Ramoreboli, and the 26-year-old from KwaMashu impressed in central midfield as Bafana finished third at the regional tournament in Durban.
It is believed Chiefs have tabled a three-year deal with expectation that Cele will put pen to paper, if all the finer details are ironed out in the coming days.
The Glamour Boys have already made seven signings during the current transfer, but coach Molefi Ntseki this week confirmed the door was not closed to rope in even more high-profile names to beef up the squad.
During the COSAFA Cup, Cele told SABC Sport he was open to moving back home and was well aware of interest and speculation surrounding his future.
“You can never say never in football, maybe will come back to South Africa, even though I still want to grow in Europe. We never know about my future, I can't rule out playing for a PSL club,” he said.
“Last season, I started very well but couldn't finish it very well, due to injuries. I just want to use this COSAFA Cup to revive myself, but not only for me, for the national team as well, I want us to win this trophy.”
Cele made 20 appearances for Radomiak last season.