South African midfielder Thibang Phete hopes his move to Portuguese club CD Tondela will help him secure a place in the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Phete spent one season in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at Al Bataeh Sharjah FC. He joined the Arab club in the 2022/23 season after ending a three-year stint with the Portuguese club Belenenses SAD.
He parted ways with Belenenses following their relegation from the Primera Liga of Portugal. Their exit from the topflight saw Phete’s eight-year stay in Portugal end.
The 29-year-old defender, nicknamed Cafu, featured for 13 matches in the United Arab Emirates Pro League following a strain of injuries, which impacted his adaptation in the top flight.
PHETE RETURNS TO PORTUGAL
Considering his abilities and outstanding experience in the top flight, Phete would be able to take advantage of new opportunities. He returns to Portugal after agreeing on a deal with Portuguese Primera Liga side GD Chaves FC.
Phete put pen to paper on a one-year deal, setting him up for a top flight football in the 2023/24 season. He’s become the second South African player in the club’s books after winger Luther Singh.
Phete dedicated this move as a new chapter, along with a Bible scripture, “PSALM 37:4”, as he embarks on a new chapter. His move comes amid Bafana Bafana International friendlies in September and October and World Cup 2026 qualifiers starting in November.
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Phete believes his move to Chaves FC will allow him to play regular first-team football and showcase his talents to Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos.
EYEING PLACE IN HUGO BROOS’ AFCON SQUAD
Phete last featured for Broos’ team in September 2022, where he played a defensive midfielder role. Bafana fell 2-1 to Morocco during that game played in Rabat.
He has missed out on a recent national call-up following a strain of injuries which prevented his ability to represent Bafana Bafana.
Phete is a versatile footballer who can play several positions in defence and midfield. He is known for his energy and work rate and is also an excellent ball passer.
He hopes to make a strong impression at Chaves FC and force his way into Broos’ plans for the AFCON. Ivory Coast will be hosting the tournament in January and February 2024.
Broos has already said he will be looking to blood some new players in the Bafana Bafana squad for the AFCON.