Bobby Motaung Breaks Silence on Thabo Cele Handshake Drama After MTN8 Final

Bobby Motaung Breaks Silence on Reported Handshake Snub by Thabo Cele After MTN8 Final

The incident involving former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabo Cele and club official Bobby Motaung has sparked debate among South African football supporters following the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Questions have emerged about the reported interaction between the two figures after Mamelodi Sundowns defeated Orlando Pirates to lift the 2026 MTN8 trophy, with supporters eager to understand whether unresolved issues from Cele’s time at Kaizer Chiefs may have played a role.

According to a report published by SportsWithDailyNews on Sunday, 11 October 2026, the incident allegedly occurred when Motaung approached Cele to greet him after the final. The report claims that the Sundowns midfielder did not respond by shaking the Chiefs official’s hand, prompting speculation about the relationship between the pair.

However, the precise circumstances surrounding the alleged exchange remain unclear, and the incident has not been independently confirmed.

Questions Over Cele’s Time at Kaizer Chiefs

Much of the discussion has centred on Cele’s departure from Kaizer Chiefs and whether his experience at Naturena could have influenced his reported reaction.

The 29-year-old midfielder joined Sundowns after leaving Chiefs, where he had experienced a difficult period before his departure. His move to the Tshwane-based club has since given him an opportunity to continue competing for major honours.

Cele has already enjoyed a positive start to life at Sundowns, helping the team secure silverware soon after his arrival. The midfielder was part of the squad that defeated Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final, adding another achievement to his career.

According to previous reports, Cele had been sidelined at Chiefs while arrangements surrounding his departure were being concluded. That background has contributed to speculation about whether his relationship with the club’s management deteriorated before he moved on.

Nevertheless, it would be premature to conclude that his reported interaction with Motaung was directly connected to his previous treatment at Chiefs without a clear explanation from the individuals involved.

Sundowns Celebrate as the Debate Continues

The alleged handshake incident came after a significant evening for Sundowns, who defeated Pirates 2-0 at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 10 October.

Teboho Mokoena opened the scoring in the 11th minute before Iqraam Rayners converted a late penalty in stoppage time to secure the trophy for Miguel Cardoso’s side.

For Cele, the triumph represented another milestone following his arrival at Chloorkop. The midfielder has spoken publicly about overcoming difficulties in his career and focusing on the opportunities ahead rather than outside distractions.

His recent success has also drawn attention to the contrast between his final period at Chiefs and his early achievements with Sundowns.

While supporters continue to debate the reported exchange, it remains important to separate confirmed developments from assumptions about the reasons behind the alleged refusal to shake hands.

What Really Happened Between Bobby Motaung and Thabo Cele?

The central question is whether the reported incident was simply an awkward moment after a major football match or a reflection of unresolved tensions from Cele’s time at Kaizer Chiefs.

At this stage, the available report does not establish the exact reason for the alleged handshake snub, nor does it provide independently verified confirmation of a definitive explanation from Motaung or Cele.

Until either party offers a clear account of the encounter, any suggestion that the incident was motivated by anger, disappointment or a disagreement with Chiefs management should be treated as speculation.

Source; https://www.facebook.com/61569726808940/posts/122168439740657560/