Kaizer Chiefs are reportedly showing keen interest in Orlando Pirates midfielder Kabelo Dlamini, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the current month. The 30-year-old playmaker has experienced a challenging period at the Buccaneers, with limited appearances and persistent injury setbacks under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, making him a potential free agent target for Amakhosi.

Sources, including Soccer Laduma, indicate that Kaizer Chiefs have been closely monitoring Dlamini's situation. "Chiefs are interested in Kabelo Dlamini and they have been following his situation. At the moment it’s more about monitoring what happens because he is still a Pirates player, but the interest is there," a publication insider stated. Dlamini himself, and his family, are aware of this interest, further fueled by his father being a staunch Chiefs supporter, prompting internal discussions about a potential move.

Dlamini's 2025/26 campaign was particularly difficult, marked by injuries, including one sustained in November 2025, which severely disrupted his progress. He managed only five Betway Premiership appearances throughout the season, complemented by four additional outings across other competitions (two in the CAF Champions League, one in the Carling Knockout, and one in the MTN8). Despite these frustrations, Dlamini has publicly expressed his commitment to Orlando Pirates and respects the club's position. However, his primary objective is to secure regular first-team football, a necessity for him to play his way back into contention for the national side.

The possibility of Dlamini joining Chiefs is strengthened by recent precedents, as Kaizer Chiefs previously signed former Orlando Pirates stars Thabiso Monyane and Paseka Mako on free transfers after their release by the Buccaneers at the end of the 2024/25 season. While Transfermarkt values Dlamini at approximately R10 million, any transfer deal would involve intricate negotiations between the player's agent and the interested clubs, potentially leading to varied outcomes. The upcoming PSL transfer window will be crucial in determining Dlamini's future.

This potential acquisition aligns with a period of significant change at Naturena, as Kaizer Chiefs are on the verge of appointing a new head coach for the 2026/27 season, with an announcement expected shortly. Furthermore, the club is anticipating several player departures in the coming weeks, with Aden McCarthy already reported to have left. The question remains whether Kabelo Dlamini would be a strategic fit for the reformed Amakhosi squad and if he would achieve his goal of consistent playing time there.