Orlando Pirates fans might have to say goodbye to another beloved player. Kabelo Dlamini, the 30-year-old midfielder who's been a key figure at the club for six years, is on the verge of joining Stellenbosch FC in a swap deal.
According to iDiski Times, the deal could see Pirates receive Faiz Abrahams and Dublin Boon from Stellenbosch, with talks still ongoing. The two clubs have already done business this window — defender Thabiso Lebitso moved to the Cape Winelands side, while Mthetheleli Mthiyane joined the Buccaneers in another swap.
Dlamini's been a fan favourite since joining Pirates, making 187 appearances across all competitions, scoring 21 goals and providing 23 assists. He helped the club win one league title, four MTN8 trophies, one Carling Knockout Cup, and two Nedbank Cups. That's a trophy haul that makes him one of the most decorated players in the current squad.
If the move goes through, it'd end a successful six-year spell at the Soweto giants. Dlamini's departure would follow that of Sipho Mbule and Bandile Shandu, who were among those let go earlier this month as Pirates reshape their squad for the new season. The club has already signed four new players ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
The proposed swap involves Stellenbosch sending Faiz Abrahams and Dublin Boon to Orlando Pirates. Abrahams, a defender, has been a regular for Stellies, while Boon, a midfielder, has shown promise. For Pirates, losing Dlamini means losing experience and creativity in midfield, but Abrahams and Boon could add depth in defence and midfield.
Negotiations are reportedly ongoing, and the deal isn't yet finalised. But iDiski Times says Stellenbosch are "on the verge" of completing the signing. If it happens, Dlamini will bring his winning mentality to the Cape Winelands, where he'll join a team that finished 5th in the DStv Premiership last season.
Dlamini's departure would mark the end of an era. He arrived at Pirates in 2020 from Bloemfontein Celtic and quickly became a fan favourite with his tireless running and eye for a pass. His 23 assists show he's not just a worker — he creates chances. But at 30, and with Pirates looking to refresh their squad, this move makes sense for both sides.
Pirates have already brought in four new players, and with Abrahams and Boon potentially arriving, the squad will have a different look next season. The question is whether the new signings can fill the void left by a player who has been central to the club's recent success.
For Stellenbosch, landing Dlamini would be a statement. They've been building steadily under coach Steve Barker, and adding a player with Dlamini's experience and trophy pedigree could help them push for a top-three finish and silverware.
This transfer window has been busy for both clubs. Pirates are clearly in a rebuilding phase, letting go of fan favourites and bringing in fresh faces. Stellenbosch are doing the opposite — they're adding proven quality to a young squad. The swap deal structure shows both clubs are thinking smart, using player exchanges to balance budgets and strengthen where needed.
Dlamini's future should become clearer in the coming weeks. For now, Pirates fans will be watching closely, hoping the deal doesn't fall through — or maybe hoping it does, depending on how they feel about losing a club legend.