Thibang Phete of South Africa during the nternational Friendly match between South Africa and Namibia on the 08 October 2020 at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Phokeng Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Bafana Bafana star joins top-flight Portuguese team

A forgotten Bafana Bafana star, who was handed his debut by the current Kaizer Chiefs boss, has earned himself a move to Portugal.

by James Freemantle

15-08-2023 07:37

in Premier Soccer League

Thibang Phete of South Africa during the nternational Friendly match between South Africa and Namibia on the 08 October 2020 at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Phokeng Pic Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix

Bafana Bafana midfielder Thibang Phete was handed his national team debut by the current Kaizer Chiefs boss. Now, he’s joined Portuguese Primeira Liga outfit Chaves SD.

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Bafana Bafana star moves to Portugal

29-year-old Thibang Phete was most recently with Al Bataeh in the UAE Pro League. According to UnplayableZA, the experienced holding midfielder has sealed a switch to the Portuguese Primeira Liga. Incidentally, it was actually current Kaizer Chiefs boss Molefi Ntseki who gave him his Bafana debut back in 2020. He won the most recent of those four caps at the back-end of 2022 against Morocco in AFCON qualifying. Thibang Phete is no stranger to Portuguese football. Now with Chaves SD on a one-year deal, he’s also turned out for Famalicao, Vitoria Guimaraes and others in the past.

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𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗚𝗔𝗟

Thibang Phete has joined top division club GD Chaves on a 1-year deal, with an option to extend.#UNPLAYABLE pic.twitter.com/tiBKZOv0zF
— #UNPLAYABLE (@UnplayableZA) August 15, 2023

Image: @UnplayableZA / X.

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Meanwhile, speaking of holding midfielders, he Glamour Boys have reportedly been looking at Thabe Cele to solve their problems. However, new Venezuelan signing Edson Castillo has been one of the bright sparks of their season so far. A winner in an MTN8 quarter-final clash is the perfect way to properly announce himself on this stage, and he’ll no doubt be eager to produce more eye-catching displays. Aside from the goal, fans and pundits have been impressed by the calm, composed midfield play he’s brought to the party. Is he the long-term solution to their problems in the heart of the battle?

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