Orlando Pirates: Young keeper Siyabonga Dladla poised for bigger role after Buthelezi exit

Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Siyabonga Dladla is in line for a significantly bigger role in the upcoming 2026-27 season, with the academy product now the main understudy to first-choice stopper Sipho Chaine.

The 24-year-old, who has steadily risen through the club’s structures, has impressed the technical team following his full integration into the senior squad and a series of composed performances in pre-season.

Dladla, promoted ahead of the 2024-25 campaign after a developmental spell at Pele Pele FC, spent the past year learning within the first-team environment. He made his top-flight debut against SuperSport United and has since strengthened his case for greater responsibility.

Pre-season displays boost Dladla’s standing

The Buccaneers’ recent pre-season tour of Spain offered a further glimpse of Dladla’s progress.

He featured in two matches on the tour and notably kept a clean sheet in the second half of a friendly against La Liga side Cadiz, a performance that is understood to have reinforced internal belief that he is ready for a more prominent role.

Club sources indicate that his composure, shot-stopping and willingness to learn have impressed the coaching staff, who view the 2026-27 campaign as a key stage in his development.

Buthelezi departure opens the door

The departure of Melusi Buthelezi, who had served as the club’s second-choice goalkeeper, has effectively cleared the path for Dladla to step up in the pecking order at Mayfair.

With Buthelezi moving on, Dladla is now expected to become the primary back-up to Chaine. However, supplanting the established number one remains a formidable challenge.

Chaine is coming off an exceptional, record-breaking league campaign, during which he registered 21 clean sheets in 30 matches, setting a new Premiership benchmark and underpinning one of the most robust defensive records in the club’s recent history.

Pirates still eyeing goalkeeper reinforcements

Despite Dladla’s emergence, indications are that Orlando Pirates will still explore the transfer market for an additional goalkeeper to ensure sufficient depth across all competitions.

The Soweto giants face a demanding schedule this term, with multiple domestic trophies to defend and continental commitments also on the horizon. Club officials are keen to avoid being left short in such a specialist position should injuries or suspensions arise.

Even with potential reinforcements, Dladla is expected to feature more regularly, whether in rotation for league fixtures, domestic cup competitions or as cover during a congested phase of the season.

Gruelling campaign begins against Milford FC

Pirates will launch their Betway Premiership campaign against Milford FC, a fixture that will signal the beginning of what is likely to be a gruelling season for the Sea Robbers.

With expectations high after last season’s defensive heroics and silverware haul, the club is under pressure to maintain its standards both domestically and in Africa.

For Dladla, the new campaign represents a pivotal opportunity: a chance to consolidate his status as a reliable option behind Chaine and to position himself as a long-term successor in one of the most scrutinised roles at one of South Africa’s biggest clubs.