BRIGHT FUTURE ENDED TOO EARLY
Mondli Cele was set to score a brilliant career
MONDLI “Slo-Mo” Cele was born on March 19, 1989 at Magabheni, south of Durban, the second child of Michael and Doreen Cele
He grew up at Folweni, a township near Amanzimtoti, where he went to Golokodo Primary School, Phindela Senior Secondary School and completed his matric at Ntwenhle High School at Bhekulwandle.
Mondli’s football talent was spotted by Sibongiseni Cele (no relation), who moved him to the New Age Academy.
He had trials with AmaZulu, but found a home with Port Shepstone club Gamalakhe United, who played in the then Vodacom League and reached the last 32 of the Nedbank Cup in 2013/2014.
In March 2014, Cele was spotted by the then assistant coach at Maritzburg United, Mandla Ncikazi, when Gamalakhe played Santos in the Nedbank Cup.
His Gamalakhe mentor Keketso Mokoatle said: “His discipline was a trademark of his game and his training was exemplary. I sent him a message after the Pirates game ... It was the last time I’d be communicating with him.”
He was invited for trials and was offered a contract by Maritzburg.
His league debut was against Mamelodi Sundowns where he played a critical role in holding the defending league champions to a 1-all draw in Pretoria.
His strong performances in the 2014/2015 season caught the eye of Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba.
He was included in the provisional 34-man squad for the 2015 African Cup of Nations.
He also won the best newcomer award at the club and in 39 games, he scored five goals.
He played a huge role in Maritzburg finishing in the top eight for the first time in 2014/2015.
Having spent most of the 2015/2016 season on the bench, he started the year with a bang with two goals in two games.
That included his opening goal in the 3-all draw against Pirates on the Saturday. It was his final act in the blue and white of Maritzburg as he passed away tragically on January 17.
He is survived by his parents, his fiancée Serah Mbotshwa, a son and a daughter, four brothers and a sister.
Rest in peace, Ndosi.