Orlando Pirates fighting to keep star midfielder amid Moroccan interest

Orlando Pirates will fight to fend off interest in Kabelo Dlamini by offering the midfielder a new three-year deal.

Dlamini is a man in demand

According to SoccerLaduma, Orlando Pirates have received interest in Kabelo Dlamini from Moroccan side Raja Casablanca. With his current contract expiring in June 2024, the Buccaneers board are moving swiftly to extend his stay with the Sea Robbers. However, the interest from Morocco isn’t the only factor behind their desire to extend Dlamini’s terms. The player joined from Bloemfontein Celtic in 2019. After long spells out of the side this season, he’s back in the fold and scored in Pirates’ recent 4-2 Nedbank Cup quarter-final win over AmaZulu.

“Yes, it’s true, his current contract is coming to an end at the end of the season and the club has taken the initiative to table a new offer and keep him at the club for another three years. He didn’t start the season very well as he wasn’t playing regularly but lately, he has been part of the team in some important games which means the technical team is happy with his performance. Hence, there is this new offer for him” said the source.

“They don’t want to lose him for free to any team. The idea to renew his contract for another term was already in the team’s plans and interest from Raja Casablanca has been a coincidence.” the source concluded.

Kabelo Dlamini of Orlando Pirates is challenged by Siphelo Baloni. Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

NEDBANK CUP HOLDERS FACE CHIPPA NEXT

Chippa United, rumoured to be facing an uphill struggle to keep hold of Stanley Nwabali, are the confirmed underdogs for this semi-final clash. To add more spice to the occasion, they’ve reportedly been sniffing around Pirates third-choice keeper Richard Ofori. The Ghanaian is seen as an ideal replacement should Super Eagles star Nwabali leave the club.

The Nedbank Cup trophy during the 2024 Nedbank Cup press conference in Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal. Image: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix

ORLANDO PIRATES FIXTURES: NEXT FIVE

• Sat 20 Apr vs AmaZulu (H) – 17:30
• Sun 28 Apr vs Royal AM (A) – 15:00
• Wed 01 May vs Cape Town City (A) – 15:00
• Sat 04 May vs Chippa (A) – 15:00 (Nedbank Cup semi-final)
• Sat 11 May vs Richards Bay (H) – 20:00

Would you be happy to see ‘Shuffle‘ extend his stay and continue the Pirates journey? Let us know in the comments section below, Bucs fans.

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