Orlando Pirates close in on Stellenbosch goalkeeper Dublin Boon after swap deal collapse

Orlando Pirates are locked in advanced talks to sign young Stellenbosch FC goalkeeper Dublin Boon, with personal terms already agreed between the player and the Soweto giants.

The 21-year-old New Zealand-based keeper, who joined the Cape Winelands club from Wellington Phoenix in August last year, is now at the centre of separate negotiations after an ambitious multi-player swap deal fell through.

Boon was initially earmarked as part of a major exchange that would have seen him and team-mate Faiz Abrahams move to Pirates, with Kabelo Dlamini heading in the opposite direction to Stellenbosch. That arrangement collapsed when Dlamini chose to stay put, forcing all parties back to the table.

Despite that setback, iDiski Times reports that Pirates have maintained their pursuit of Boon and are now trying to finalise a straight transfer with Stellenbosch.

“It’s still ongoing discussions. We hope to finalise soon,” his agent, Rasthoem Simons of 5sSports, told iDiski Times.

Pirates rebuild goalkeeping department

Pirates’ interest in Boon comes as the club reshapes its goalkeeping options following the departure of Melusi Buthelezi to Sekhukhune United.

Buthelezi’s exit has left the Buccaneers relying on Siyabonga Dladla, 25, and Ethan Visagie, 21, as their current senior goalkeeping options. The potential arrival of Boon would add further depth and competition in a key position as the club prepares for the new Betway Premiership campaign.

Boon, who has largely served as a back-up for Stellenbosch’s DStv Diski Challenge side, is seen as a long-term prospect. Pirates appear willing to invest in his development despite his limited first-team exposure in South Africa to date.

The Soweto club’s focus on youth in goal, with both Visagie and Boon aged 21, underlines a strategic move towards building a younger core in a position traditionally dominated by more experienced players.

Swap deal breakdown reshapes transfer plans

The collapse of the original swap deal involving Kabelo Dlamini has significantly reshaped the transfer dynamics between the two clubs.

Under the initial proposal, Boon and attacking player Faiz Abrahams were set to join Pirates, with Dlamini making the switch to Stellenbosch. However, Dlamini’s decision to turn down the move halted the entire arrangement.

With that route now closed, Pirates and Stellenbosch have shifted focus to negotiating a standalone transfer for Boon. According to the report, personal terms between Pirates and the player are already in place, leaving only agreement on the fee and structure of the deal between the two clubs.

In the meantime, Abrahams – who had been tied to the same collapsed deal – has been linked with a loan move to Durban City, suggesting Stellenbosch may look to find him regular game time elsewhere.

Final details still to be agreed

While no timeframe has been officially announced, Simons’ comments indicate that both parties are keen to conclude discussions swiftly, with the new Premiership season drawing closer.

If the deal is completed, Boon would join a Pirates side looking to challenge on multiple fronts and strengthen their depth across the squad. His arrival would also highlight Stellenbosch’s growing role as a club willing to trade and develop young talent for South Africa’s traditional heavyweights.

For now, negotiations continue, with Boon’s future expected to be decided once the two clubs can settle on the final details of the transfer.