Orlando Pirates midfielder Kabelo Dlamini could still have a future at the Buccaneers – despite struggling to cement his place under the new coach.
Dlamini was a crucial member of the Pirates squad under former coach Jose Riveiro during his nearly three-year stay at the Soweto giants, where he featured in 31 matches, scoring two goals and having six assists in the Spanish coach’s first season.
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The 29-year-old also played 25 games in the 2023/24 campaign, scoring five goals, with two assists, as the Buccaneers won the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup double for the second successive season.
The left-footed midfielder was more involved for Pirates last season, clocking 44 matches, with a 12-goal contribution (four goals and eight assists) as the Ghosts finished second in the log for a third straight season and also retained the MTN8.
However, “Shenko”, as the stylish midfielder is fondly known in the football circles, has not had a good start under Abdeslam Ouaddou, playing only in nine matches so far this season, mainly limited by niggling injuries.
There has been speculation on whether Dlamini has fallen out of favour under Ouaddou, with somewhat of a mystery regarding his contract situation.
The Siya crew has been led to believe that the former Bloemfontein Celtic midfielder will be out of contract at the end of the season, but indications are that his future could still lie with the Soweto giants.
News reaching this website is that Pirates have opened negotiations with Dlamini’s camp over a contract extension, with the talks currently in the early stages.
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The 29-year-old is expected to overcome his injury challenge to still feature this season, after last playing off the bench in a 2-0 win over Durban City back in November last year.
