Thibang Phete Secures European Move with Iceland’s IF Vestri
Bafana Bafana midfielder Thibang Phete has found a new club in Europe after spending eight months without a team. The experienced midfielder has signed with Icelandic top-flight side IF Vestri, marking a fresh chapter in his career.
A New Beginning in Iceland
The 30-year-old had been a free agent since his contract with Portuguese outfit CD Chaves expired at the end of the 2023/24 season. After an extensive search for a new club, Phete has now landed in Iceland’s premier league, Besta Deildabikar, where he aims to reignite his career.
IF Vestri, currently placed ninth in Group A after five league games, confirmed the signing on Thursday.
Vestri’s Official Statement
The club introduced Phete, also known as Cafu Phete, with an official statement outlining his experience and the role he is expected to play.
“Thibang Sindile Theophilus Phete, or ‘Cafu Phete’ as he is most commonly known, has joined the ranks of Vestri,” the club announced.
“Cafu Phete is 30 years old and comes from the city of Kimberley in South Africa. He was young at Milano United in Cape Town, but from there he went to Portugal, where he has spent the longest time in his career.”
“He has 87 matches in the top division in Portugal, playing for Vitória S.C., F.C. Famalicão, B-SAD, and G.D. Chaves. In addition, he has played four international matches for South Africa.”
The statement further emphasized his versatility, stating, “Cafu Phete is a defensive midfielder who can also play as a defender. He will meet the Vestri team in Tenerife, where the squad is beginning a training camp this weekend.”
Reviving His Career
Phete’s move to Iceland presents a valuable opportunity to re-establish himself in European football. With his wealth of experience from Portugal’s Primeira Liga, he brings much-needed quality to a Vestri side looking to climb the league table.
As he settles into his new environment, Bafana fans will hope that his European resurgence will put him back in contention for a national team call-up.
