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.
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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.”
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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.
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