SOUTH African youngster Thibang Phete took a big step forward in his career when he helped Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes defeat giants Porto at the weekend.
The 21-year-old defensive midfielder came off the bench for the final 30 minutes to help his side cling to a 1-0 win.
It is certainly the biggest game the former Stars of Africa Academy product has played in his fledgling career and he should take plenty of confidence that coach Sergio Conceiçao chose to bring him on when the situation was so delicate. Phete has been winning good reviews in Portugal since making a surprise debut for Vitoria late in November, having been elevated from their second team.
He is having even more influence on the team as they chase Uefa Europa League glory next season.
Ayanda Patosi made a disappointing start to 2016, when his Lokeren side were beaten 2-0 at home by Standard Liege. The Bafana Bafana midfielder started the game, but was replaced at the hour-mark.
Lokeren are in ninth position in the league, but only four points off a place in the top six.
Andile Jali missed KV Oostende’s 3-3 draw with Waasland-Beveren through illness.
Thulani Serero also saw his Ajax Amsterdam side return to action after the festive season break as they won 1-0 at ADO Den Haag. The victory maintains Ajax’s three-point lead at the top of the table, but the match will be more remembered for the disgraceful racist chants from the home fans.
The Dutch football association will investigate the matter after what it termed "jungle sounds" were directed at Ajax’s Riechedly Bazoer.