Kaizer Chiefs are believed to be edging closer to securing the services of Kabelo Dlamini as the attacking midfielder’s future at Orlando Pirates hangs in the balance.
Dlamini, affectionately known as “Shenko”, is out of contract at Pirates and appears set for a fresh challenge after struggling for regular game time despite being regarded as one of the finest No.10s in South African football.
The 29-year-old was previously close to joining Sekhukhune United in January, but the move collapsed as the player refused. Indications are that Chiefs have now emerged as strong contenders for his signature.
Sources close to the situation suggest Dlamini is keen on making the switch to Naturena, following a growing trend of players crossing the Soweto divide in recent seasons.
Last season, Chiefs successfully signed defenders Thabiso Monyane and Paseka Mako after their departures from Pirates.
While Monyane has delivered solid performances in Amakhosi colours, it is Lebo Maboe who has emerged as one of the club’s standout performers since arriving as a free agent at the start of the campaign. Maboe, a youth product of Amakhosi, joined them from Mamelodi Sundowns.
KAIZER CHIEFS’ RECRUITMENT STRATEGY
Chiefs’ recent recruitment model has increasingly focused on identifying experienced free agents and placing them in a high-performance environment to reignite their careers.
Dlamini could fit perfectly into that strategy, particularly given his technical quality and creativity in the final third.
However, the midfielder is currently recovering from injury and will want to be fit when pre-season starts.
Meanwhile, Chiefs are also understood to be monitoring Thabo Moloisane, who is nearing the end of his contract with Stellenbosch FC.
The defender has enjoyed another impressive season with Stellies and is attracting interest ahead of the upcoming transfer window as Chiefs continue shaping their squad for next season.