SA defender Thibang Phete has shared his excitement after helping IF Vestri win their first ever title, the 2025 Icelandic FA Cup, which automatically earned them a place in the 2026/27 Europa League qualifying rounds.
Phete was part of the history making team that beat Valur Reykjavík 1-0 in the Icelandic FA cup final a fortnight ago. Winning the title automatically helped the secure a berth in a European competition for the first time.
Moreso, the 2025 Icelandic FA Cup is the clubs first major trophy since formation in 1986. Plausibly, the defender-cum-midfielder is enjoying his lifeline at the Icelandic club, though the league appears to be obscure.
It remains to be seen if he will stay put at the club and take part in the 2026/27 Europa League qualifying rounds. Nevertheless, he is thrilled by the achievement. In an interview with FARPost, the SA star said: “It’s a very special moment for the club and the city we made history by wining it for the first time and also for me it’s my first trophy.”
THIBANG PHETE ON CLOUD NINE
He added: “So I’m really happy my move to here played out in the positive way and I’m really proud to be part of the team to make history. For now we focus on league and finish strong and we will see what the future holds,” Phete told FARPost.
Phete has secured the deal to join the Iceland club in March after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. He was as a free agent.
The 31-year-old played for Portuguese outfit GD Chaves during the 2023/24 season. He parted ways with the club at the end of his one-year deal with the Primeira Liga outfit.
Cafu’ as he is fondly known has spent the last decade abroad. His stay overseas has seen enjoy spells at clubs that Grupo Tourizense, Vitoria SC, and Belenenses. He also had a brief stint with Al Bataeh Club.
Most recently, Phete was linked with ambitious Betway Premiership club Sekhukhune United in the current window. Meanwhile IF Vestri are on eighth position in the 12-team, Icelandic top-tier, Besta Deild Karla.
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