Thibang Sindile Theophilus Phete (born 4 April 1994), known as Cafu Phete, is a South African professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder or centre-back for Primeira Liga club Chaves and the South African national team.
Club career
Early career
Born in Kimberley, South Africa, Phete began his career in the National First Division with Cape Town-based club Milano United, having previously graduated from the Stars of Africa Academy. In 2014, he joined Portuguese Campeonato Nacional de Seniores side Tourizense with whom he spent one season.
Vitória S.C. On 13 August 2015, Primeira Liga side Vitória S.C. announced the signing of Phete from Tourizense. He made his debut for the club on 28 November in a 2–1 win over Boavista during which he was booked in the 29th minute before being substituted at half-time for Otávio. He made 12 appearances over the course of the season as Vitória ended in ninth spot on the Primeira Liga table. At the end of the season Phete was joined at the club by fellow countrymen Bongani Zungu and Haashim Domingo who had signed for the upcoming season. He failed to appear for the senior side in the following two seasons, however, after he was moved to the club's reserve squad, Vitória S.C. B.
Famalicão
In June 2019, Phete left Guimarães to sign for fellow Primeira Liga side Famalicão on a three-year deal.
B-SAD
On January 2020, Famalicão sent Phete on loan to Primeira Liga side B-SAD until the end of the 2019–20 season. On 1 August 2020, B-SAD announced the permanent signing of Phete on a two-year contract.
Al Bataeh
On July 2022, after his contract with B-SAD had expired, Phete signed for UAE Pro League side Al Bataeh.
Chaves
On 14 August 2023, Phete returned to Portugal, signing a one-year contract with Primeira Liga side Chaves.
International career
He made his international debut for South Africa on 8 October 2020 in a 1–1 draw with Namibia.