After a decade abroad playing in Portugal, the UAE, and most recently Iceland, Thibang Phete is on the cusp of returning home to experience Betway Premiership football for the first time.
The versatile defensive midfielder, who can also play as a centre-back, never graced the top flight before leaving for overseas in 2014. His only previous local stint was with Milano United FC in the lower division, having been groomed by Farouk Khan at the Stars of Africa Academy.
Before his move to Iceland, Phete had several stints with clubs in Portugal and a one-year spell at Al Bataeh Club in the United Arab Emirates Premier League.
The 31-year-old recently hinted in an interview that he desires to return home to be closer to his new family. He is currently winding down his short-term contract with Icelandic elite league team IF Vestri, a move he made primarily to regain fitness after leaving Portuguese side GD Chaves in August 2024 while nursing an injury.
“Things have been good so far, I’m trying to adapt to the weather [in Iceland], but I’m very grateful for the opportunity they [IF Vestri] gave me,” Phete told FARPost.
“I have considered coming back home, especially now with having a new family, my decision will always be surrounding them. Even coming to Iceland was a bit difficult for them, but I had to make the sacrifice.”
WHICH CLUB IS LIKELY TO LAND THIBANG PHETE?
While Kaizer Chiefs had shown initial interest, with talks concerning his availability occurring at the beginning of last season, no further discussions materialised.
The club that has reportedly shown the most intent to sign him is Sekhukhune United. All indications suggest that Babina Noko will be his new home.
Phete, affectionately known as ‘Cafu’, a nickname he earned in his early years playing right-back due to his versatility, reportedly feels playing locally could put him back on the radar for Bafana Bafana ahead of the next AFCON. He was initially part of Bafana coach Hugo Broos’s squad before an injury sidelined him.
His contract with IF Vestri concludes later this month, and a decision on his next club is expected to be finalised this week. His versatility has been a massive asset for his current club, playing seven times as a defensive midfielder and thrice in the heart of defence.
The Kimberley-born star offers a strong physical presence, stability, and the ability to dictate play from deep, breaking lines with his passing.
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