Mbatha ready for another 'healthy rivalry' against Kaizer Chiefs new boy Thabo Cele in Soweto Derby - 'He is always pushing'

On Monday, Kaizer Chiefs confirmed the signing of three established players as the Soweto giants work on improving all departments.

Among the three signed is Thabo Cele who is meant to strengthen the midfield.

The three - Tashreeq Morris, Glody Lilepo and Cele joined Amakhosi a couple of days before the highly anticipated Soweto Derby against old rivals Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium.

Chances are high that Cele might make his Chiefs debut against the Buccaneers once he is deemed match-fit by Nasreddine Nabi's technical team.

If everything turns out positively, then Soweto Derby will reunite childhood friends Thalente Mbatha of Bucs against Cele.

The former has lauded the new Chiefs signing, insisting he is always determined and ready to push and make things happen.

“I am really happy for him, he's one person who has always been determined. He's passionate about football," the Bucs midfielder told the media.

"Even when he was playing in Europe, he'd assemble us to train together ekasi [in our township]. He's always been pushing.

“There has always been a healthy rivalry between our areas as far as football is concerned, it was always a healthy challenge because we always believed that we could conquer our areas and they also believed the same when we played games against each other.

“We normally talk when one person isn't playing to motivate each other. Yes, we don't talk every day but we do video calls now and then, especially to lift each other when one is going through the most. He pushed me to work hard here at Pirates, telling me that I should grab the opportunity with both hands," Mbatha concluded.

Pirates have won the last three Soweto Derbies across all competitions, and Mbatha will be aiming at making it four this weekend.

However, Cele and his new teammates will definitely be determined to show the Glamour Boys are back by stopping the in-form Buccaneers.