Thabo Cele admits to failed ambitions in Europe but delighted at fallback decision - 'I am living my dream playing for Kaizer Chiefs'

Thabo Cele joined Kaizer Chiefs from Russian side FC Fakel Voronezh during the January player transfer window.

He has since established himself as a key Amakhosi player with 14 appearances across all competitions.

The 28-year-old midfielder has explained what drove him to dump a career in Europe and sign for the Soweto giants.

“I think if you look at it, every footballer wants to play at the highest level,” Cele told iDiski Times. 

“And for me, the dream was to go to the top leagues in Europe, but that did not happen. Of course, I was blessed to make it to Europe, and it has been a pretty fulfilling career out there. 

"Looking back at my time in Europe, I would not say I am fulfilled or fully happy. I am proud of myself, though, but we went there and tried to reach the highest levels and could not. But we remain proud," added the former Benfica midfielder. 

“I did well on that side, but when the opportunity to come back home and the club was Chiefs – my childhood favourite club – I was not going to let it go. I am living my dream playing for Chiefs and I’d like to achieve big things with the club.”

Before joining Amakhosi, Cele had never played Premier Soccer League football in his career before.

That was after spending nine years shared between Portugal, Poland and Russia but struggled to move to a bigger league in Europe.

Now in the PSL, Cele immediately made himself a Chiefs regular and has been pushing to get himself into the Bafana Bafana fold.

Chiefs face Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final at Moses Mabhida on Saturday.

It is a match Cele would want to prove his worth if handed the opportunity to start after struggling for form after recovering from an injury.