Tabo Sele's move to Mamelodi Sundowns places the midfielder in an exclusive group of athletes who represented two of South Africa's three biggest clubs.
The club officially announced Sele's signing this week after he left Kaizer Chiefs by mutual agreement to terminate his contract. For Sele himself, this step marks a new important stage in a career that already included stints in Europe and a return to South Africa.
However, his arrival at Chloorkop also puts him in the same league as some of the most famous names who wore both the black-gold colors of Chiefs and the yellow of Sundowns. This list includes players who have won league titles, continental trophies, captained both clubs, and in some cases, become iconic figures in South African football.
From Chiefs to Sundowns—and back
One of the most prominent recent examples is Hama Billiat. The Zimbabwean forward became one of Sundowns' most influential players after moving from Ajax Cape Town in 2013. He was part of the team that won the CAF Champions League in 2016 before transferring to Chiefs in 2018. Billiat's debut for Chiefs was against his former club, ensuring an immediate encounter with Sundowns.
Ramakhwa Mphakhlele also made a direct transfer between these two clubs, moving from Sundowns to Chiefs before the 2016/17 season. The defender spent six seasons at Amakhosi, making 127 official appearances, and captained both clubs throughout his career. He recently stated that despite outstanding periods at Chiefs and Sundowns, his true dream has always been Orlando Pirates.
Another player is George Maluleka, whose transfer was particularly significant because it happened in reverse. After six years and over 130 matches for Chiefs, Maluleka moved to Sundowns in 2020. He managed to win trophies at Chloorkop, although his time there was significantly shorter than his career at Chiefs.
Kagan Dolly followed a similar notable path. After establishing himself as a South African star at Sundowns and helping them win the league title in the 2015/16 season and the CAF Champions League in 2016, Dolly moved to Montpellier and then returned home to Chiefs in 2021.
This list extends further. Among former forwards who represented both clubs are Kenny Niemah, Katlego Mphela, and Derrick Spencer, while Gaston Sirino is another recent example after several years at Sundowns before moving to Chiefs.
Sele now becomes part of this dynasty.
A different challenge awaits Sele
His transfer is also interesting due to the circumstances surrounding it. Sele joined Chiefs only in January 2025 after several years playing in Portugal, Poland, and Russia. He won the Nedbank Cup with Amakhosi and was an important part of the midfield before his departure.
Now he is moving to Sundowns, a team that recently regained its top position in the Betway Premiership and carries the expectations associated with being the reigning CAF Champions League holder. This transfer means that Sele will ultimately play against his former club wearing the colors of one of its main rivals.
This is a test that every player crossing the boundary between Chiefs and Sundowns must face. Some were accepted, others faced suspicion. For some, this transfer defined their entire career.
Sele now has the opportunity to decide which category he belongs to. However, his first task is simpler: to establish himself in the Sundowns squad. If he achieves this, his name will eventually be placed alongside some of the most decorated players who successfully navigated the path between Naturena and Chloorkop.
