Miguel Inacio explains what sets Thabo Cele apart from Samkelo Zwane and Kaizer Chiefs captain Yusuf Maart - ‘He’s a big player who can calm the game during transitions’

Amakhosi have eight games left to salvage their 2024-25 season and secure a respectable finish. In Nasreddine Nabi's first season, inconsistent results have pushed them out of the league title race.

Their only chance at silverware is in a cup competition, where they aim to break a decade-long trophy drought.

While Nabi made several signings that looked promising on paper, many have underperformed. However, one January signing receiving widespread praise is Thabo Cele.

His teammate Miguel Inacio has described him as a revelation, highlighting his composure and smooth integration into the squad. Cele’s impact has brought much-needed stability to the team.

In the previous season, Amakhosi finished outside the top eight with 36 points, and they are currently seven points away from that tally. A major setback for the team has been the injury of key defender Rushwin Dortley, who underwent surgery.

Dortley is the only player in the squad who has been previously called up by Hugo Broos, the Bafana Bafana coach has acknowledged Thabo Cele’s performances and hinted at considering him for future selections. However, Broos also pointed out that the club is still struggling overall. Amakhosi will need a strong finish to the season to restore confidence.

“One of his biggest qualities, he played in Europe also. Played against each other, I know him… when I was in Braga he was in Benfica, we played and I met him then, we spoke at the time,” Miguel said, as reported by iDiski Times.

“Even before he came here, I had a conversation with him, trying to make him know… he knows of course he’s a South African, but make it known it’s a big decision and good decision to come here.

“He offers a lot of calmness like you said, it doesn’t mean we didn’t have it before. But it’s different, he has a different skillset to [Samkelo] Zwane and Yusuf [Maart] for example.

“There’s moments when you need to cool down the game and he’s a big player to cool the game down during these transitions.”

After suffering their ninth loss of this season in their last game against Richards Bay, Amakhosi will travel back to Durban to face Golden Arrows with the hope of getting back to winning ways.

With the Bafana Bafana coach already mentioning that Cele is one for the future, the midfielder will need to ensure he stays fit and delivers for Amakhosi to be considered for the next games.