Kabelo Dlamini could earn Orlando Pirates reprieve as transfer move stalls

Kabelo Dlamini could remain at Orlando Pirates and compete for a place in the squad after uncertainty emerged over a proposed move away from the club.

The attacking midfielder had been expected to be included in a deal involving Stellenbosch FC players Faiz Abrahams and Dublin Boon, who were reportedly set to move to Pirates. However, doubts over whether that arrangement will be completed have left open the possibility of Dlamini continuing with the Soweto club.

Dlamini has been linked with a departure during the current transfer window, but sources close to the situation have indicated that Pirates are not under pressure to sell or release the 30-year-old. The club would reportedly be willing to retain him if a transfer does not materialise before the window closes.

Any decision on Dlamini’s future role is expected to be made by head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. The manager is understood to be considering all the options available to him as he continues to put together his squad for the 2026/27 campaign.

The midfielder’s prospects received a further boost over the weekend when Pirates issued an update on his fitness ahead of their Betway Premiership opener against Milford at Orlando Amstel Arena.

In their official match preview, the club said: “The midfield pair of Masindi Nemtajela and Kabelo Dlamini also near a return to action.”

That update suggests Dlamini is approaching full fitness after his absence. If he remains at Pirates beyond the end of the transfer window, his return could give Ouaddou another midfield option as the coach assesses his squad.

Dlamini previously played for Bloemfontein Celtic and has been viewed as a creative presence in midfield. His immediate future remains unclear, with several weeks still left before the transfer window shuts, but the latest developments indicate that his time at Pirates may not be over.

The proposed move involving Abrahams and Boon remains uncertain, and that could ultimately determine whether Dlamini is given a fresh opportunity at the Buccaneers. For now, Pirates appear prepared to keep him if no agreement is reached, leaving the final decision over his involvement with Ouaddou.

Dlamini’s fitness will also be important as the club begins its Betway Premiership campaign and prepares for the season ahead. Should he stay and regain full match sharpness, the 30-year-old could yet play a part in Orlando Pirates’ pursuit of silverware during the 2026/27 season.