Following the tragic passing of Mondli Cele in the early hours of Sunday morning, Goal remembers his career and contribution to the South African game

South Africa woke up to the shocking news that Maritzburg United star midfielder Mondli Cele had lost his life in a tragic car accident in the early hours of Sunday, January 17, 2016.

Cele was born in Durban, KwaZulu Natal on the 18th of March 1989.

The utility player made his name while playing for Second Division side Gamalakhe, and in 2014, Cele was scouted by the then assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi during his team's Nedbank Cup clash with Santos in Cape Town.

He was invited to train with the Team of Choice and returned to the KwaZulu Natal capital for pre-season before signing a professional contract at the start of the 2014/15 PSL campaign.

Where it all started | Unknown Cele caught the eye of Ncikazi in Cape Town

Reacting to his move to Maritzburg United two months later, Cele said: "I was very happy with the opportunity the technical team gave me – it’s very difficult for players from the Second Division to get a chance in the PSL, it does not happen a lot. For me it was a life-changing opportunity, I had the hunger to play at this level, and I was determined to make the most of the chance."

Cele made his professional debut against Mamelodi Sundowns on August 8, 2014. He won his side a penalty which was converted by Mohamed Awal in the 89th minute of the 1-1 draw in Tshwane.

The speedy right winger scored his first professional goal as United thumped Platinum Stars 3-1 on the 18th of October 2014. His second goal came a week later against SuperSport United.

Cele | Scored important goals despite playing as a winger

Cele featured in 29 of his side's 30 league games on his debut season, scoring three goals and assisting in the other three.

This season, Cele had made eight appearances for the Pietermaritzburg-based outfit and scored twice.

Cele had not represented the national team at the time of his passing.



As Goal, we would like to send our heartfelt condolences to the Cele family, friends, teammates and the entire Maritzburg United team.