After spending over a decade playing overseas, Thulani Serero has made his much-anticipated return to South Africa.
The 34-year-old former Ajax Amsterdam star is back in Mzansi, but this time, instead of joining Kaizer Chiefs, he has signed with Cape Town City FC.
The midfielder, known for his silky skills and vision on the pitch, will wear the number 8 jersey for the Citizens.
Serero’s Impressive European Journey
Serero’s career abroad primarily took place in the Netherlands’ Eredivisie, where he became a household name.
His six-year stint at Ajax, from 2011 to 2017, saw him make 121 appearances for the club.
One of the standout moments of his career came when he formed a remarkable partnership in midfield with none other than Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard.
The pair played together at Vitesse Arnhem in the 2018 and 2019 seasons, with Serero sitting deeper in midfield while Ødegaard played ahead of him in a more attacking role.
Their seamless combination in the middle of the park made them a formidable duo, and Ødegaard’s success with Arsenal is a testament to how well they clicked.
A Career Filled with Milestones
Thulani Serero’s footballing journey also included prestigious moments in European competitions.
He featured in 11 UEFA Champions League matches, with his most recent appearance in the 2014-2015 season for Ajax.
Before making a name for himself in Europe, Serero had already dazzled at Ajax Cape Town, where he played as an attacking midfielder and was dubbed a classic number 10.
His standout performances during the 2010-2011 season earned him the PSL Player of the Year award.
By 2015, his value was at an all-time high, with the talented midfielder being worth around R4 million (roughly R77 million at the time).
Salum a Target for Kaizer Chiefs
While Serero’s return to South Africa has been one of the more talked-about transfers, there’s also buzz around another midfielder linked to Kaizer Chiefs.
Tanzanian playmaker Feisal Salum is reportedly on the Chiefs’ radar, with a move looking increasingly likely at the end of the season.
The 27-year-old, who currently plays for Azam FC, has a strong attacking presence and has worked with Chiefs’ current coaching staff, including Nasreddine Nabi and Cedric Kaze, during their time together at Yanga SC.
Salum, with 41 caps for Tanzania, could add depth to Chiefs’ midfield options.
What’s Next for Serero in the Mother City?
As Thulani Serero embarks on this new chapter of his career with Cape Town City FC, fans are eager to see how he’ll perform back home.
Given his vast experience and success in Europe, there’s no doubt he’ll bring a wealth of knowledge to the team.
But the question remains: will Serero be able to adapt and shine in the South African league after so many years abroad? Only time will tell.
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