Latest news with #IFVestri
The South African
05-08-2025
- Sport
- The South African
REVEALED: Why Kaizer Chiefs have failed to do a deal for 'Cafu'
Kaizer Chiefs wanted to sign Thibang 'Cafu' Phete, but a surprise hurdle got in the way of them and the 31-year-old holding midfielder. Sekhukhune are the frontrunners to sign the seasoned star. Phete is currently with the Icelandic side IF Vestri. Chiefs coaching staff get the best email of 2025 Chiefs chase teenage striking prodigy Thibang Phete has dropped a strong hint that he's ready to return home. Local outlet FARPost believe Sekhukhune are favourites to sign a man whose extensive experience includes stints in Portugal and the UAE. Phete has four caps for South Africa. '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 said, via 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.' Former Orlando Pirates full-back duo Paseka Mako and Thabiso Monyane would add experience in defence. 25-year-old Nkanyiso Shinga is another new option at left-back, after spending seven years in Portugal. 31-year-old Thibang 'Cafu' Phete is a versatile operator who can play as the hard man in midfield or in defence. 22-year-old winger Asanele Velebayi has been a long-standing target, while 26-year-old playmaker Ethan Chislett returns to South Africa after Port Vale got relegated to the fourth tier of English football. Etiosa Ighodaro and the relatively unknown Flavio Silva could bolster the attack. A deal for Ighodaro, however, has stalled. Finally, some good news for Kaizer Chiefs fans SEVEN arrivals, TWO big surprises coming at Naturena? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
07-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Thibang Phete returns: Kaizer Chiefs or another PSL club?
Thibang Phete, affectionately known as 'Cafu', is preparing for a highly anticipated return to South African football after spending the past decade showcasing his talent in Portugal, the United Arab Emirates, and most recently, Iceland. The 31-year-old versatile midfielder, equally comfortable as a centre-back, left the country in 2014 without ever featuring in the local top flight. Back then, his only domestic experience came through Milano United FC in the lower leagues, having developed under Farouk Khan at the Stars of Africa Academy. Currently completing a short-term contract at Icelandic Premier League side IF Vestri, Phete hinted at a strong desire to return home for personal reasons. '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 said, as per 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.' After parting ways with Portuguese outfit GD Chaves in August 2024 while nursing an injury, Phete joined IF Vestri to rebuild his fitness. As first reported, Kaizer Chiefs showed interest first, however talks failed to progress. The frontrunners to secure Phete's signature now appear to be Sekhukhune United. All signs point to Babina Noko as his next destination, according to FARPost . The move would mark his long-awaited debut in the Betway Premiership. With his Icelandic stint ending this month, Phete is expected to confirm his next move within days. A return to local football would not only reunite him with his roots. But also offer a platform to shine on the domestic and international stages once again. Will Thibang Phete sign for Chiefs or Sekhukhune? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
