After a decade of chasing football dreams across Portugal, the UAE, and Iceland, Thibang Phete — fondly known as ‘Cafu’ — is finally preparing for a long-awaited return to South African football.
At 31, the experienced midfielder and centre-back seems ready to close the loop on a journey that began in the lower leagues and took him to unexpected corners of the football world.
From Lower Leagues to the World Stage
Phete left South Africa back in 2014 without ever playing in the top tier.
His only domestic experience at the time was with Milano United in the lower divisions, having graduated from Farouk Khan’s Stars of Africa Academy.
Since then, he’s quietly built a solid career overseas — proving his worth in Europe and the Middle East.
A Family-First Decision in the Works
Currently wrapping up a short-term contract with Icelandic Premier League club IF Vestri, Phete has hinted that it might be time to come home — especially now that his priorities have shifted.
“Things have gone well here,” he told FARPost.
“I’m still adjusting to the weather in Iceland, but I’m grateful for the opportunity they gave me.”
However, he admitted that the pull of family is stronger than ever.
“With a new family, my decisions are now centered around them.
Even choosing to come to Iceland was tough for them — but it was a sacrifice I had to make.”
Bouncing Back From Injury in Iceland
Before his stint in Iceland, Phete had parted ways with Portuguese club GD Chaves in August 2024 after suffering an injury.
IF Vestri offered him the perfect environment to get back into shape, rebuild his confidence, and prepare for the next step.
Sekhukhune United Lead the Chase
While Kaizer Chiefs were initially linked to Phete, talks didn’t go far.
Now, it’s Sekhukhune United — affectionately known as Babina Noko — who are in pole position to sign the seasoned defender.
According to FARPost, the deal is nearing completion, and fans could soon see Phete make his long-awaited debut in the Betway Premiership — a league he never got to play in before heading overseas.
Decision Imminent as Iceland Chapter Closes
With his contract in Iceland ending this month, Phete is expected to announce his next move in the coming days.
A return to South African football wouldn’t just bring him back to familiar ground — it would also give him a chance to reignite his career in front of home fans and potentially re-enter the national conversation.
Will It Be Chiefs or Sekhukhune?
So now the question is — will Thibang Phete don the colours of Kaizer Chiefs, or will Sekhukhune United seal the deal? The answer is just around the corner.