Due to his follow to the example of Osvaldo Ardiles, he was known for being one of very few outfield players to have worn the number 1 jersey and has won acclaim for his creative abilities and passing skills.

He was ever-present in his first season at Olympiacos as they finished second in the Alpha Ethniki in 2003, and made his first UEFA Champions League appearances, five in all.

In his third season with the "Dikefalos-Aetos", AEK did not live up to their expectations and finished third, Kafes was a key figure in there revival inwich he captained the side on a few occasions.

On 30 April 2011, Kafes won the 2010–11 Greek Football Cup and scored AEK's third goal in a 3–0 win against Atromitos.

[2][3] After being free agent for 2 months, on 31 August he joined back to his hometown team Veria FC.

He was released during the winter break and in February 2013, he trialed with Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer.

[4] Kafes made his debut in the national team against Croatia in April 2001 and scored his first goal against Austria in Vienna in March 2003.

On 8 October 2010 Kafes came on as a substitute against Latvia replacing Giorgos Karagounis, helping the team to qualify for UEFA's 2012 European Football Championship tournament.