Orlando Pirates receive boost as Kabelo Dlamini nears return from injury

Orlando Pirates could welcome Kabelo Dlamini back into contention as they prepare for a demanding run of fixtures across domestic and continental competition.

The midfielder is understood to be regaining fitness after recently recovering from injury, with indications that he is edging closer to a return to action.

Dlamini’s possible availability would be particularly timely for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, whose squad is facing an increasingly congested schedule. Pirates have just secured their place in the MTN8 final and remain involved in the defence of their Betway Premiership title.

Their attention now turns to continental football, with the Buccaneers preparing to travel to Mauritius for their CAF Champions League first preliminary round clash this weekend.

The prospect of competing across several fronts is expected to put further pressure on Pirates’ squad depth. A return for Dlamini would give Ouaddou another midfield option as he attempts to manage his resources through a demanding period.

Pirates have already been affected by a number of injury problems in recent weeks. Sihle Nduli and Thalente Mbatha have both suffered setbacks, while Evidence Makgopa, Andre de Jong and captain Nkosinathi Sibisi have also faced fitness concerns.

There is additional uncertainty surrounding Gamphani Lungu. The breakout star was injured during Pirates’ 4-0 victory over Kruger United on Tuesday and now faces an anxious wait to discover the extent of the problem.

That developing situation makes any progress in Dlamini’s recovery even more significant. Although his return has not been confirmed, the experienced midfielder’s improving fitness could provide valuable reinforcement at a time when the Buccaneers are attempting to maintain their challenge in multiple competitions.

Pirates’ qualification for the MTN8 final has added to the importance of keeping their available players fit, while the start of their CAF Champions League campaign will place further demands on a squad already dealing with several absences.

Ouaddou will therefore need to balance his team carefully as Pirates seek domestic silverware and begin their continental campaign. Dlamini’s potential return could help ease some of that pressure, particularly with the club’s fixture list set to test the depth of the squad.

For now, Pirates are waiting for further clarity on the midfielder’s condition, as well as the injuries affecting other members of the team. But the signs that Dlamini is moving closer to full fitness represent an encouraging development for the Soweto giants ahead of a crucial stage of the season.