Orlando Pirates are receiving some positive news as the new football season approaches. Midfielder Kabelo Dlamini is making steady progress in his recovery from injury.
The 30-year-old midfielder missed the Buccaneers’ recent pre-season tour of Spain. The injury occurred toward the end of the previous campaign, which kept him sidelined during critical preparation weeks.
According to reports from soccerladuma.co.za, rehabilitation is moving in a positive direction. There is growing optimism that he could be available around the start of the competitive season. However, missing a significant portion of pre-season means he will likely need extra time to regain full match fitness.
A Demanding Start for the Buccaneers
The timing of this recovery could be important for the technical team. The club faces an incredibly busy schedule during the opening month of the 2026/27 campaign.
The season starts on 1 August at Orlando Stadium. The Buccaneers begin their Betway Premiership title defence against newly promoted Milford FC. Just one week later, the focus shifts to defending the MTN8 crown against Durban City Football Club.
The fixtures come thick and fast before the end of August. The club also has league matches scheduled against AmaZulu FC, Chippa United, and Sekhukhune United FC.
Managing Squad Depth Carefully
Having reliable squad depth is often the deciding factor during congested fixture periods. Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will need as many creative options as possible. The team enters the season aiming to build on a historic treble-winning campaign.
Reports indicate that there are no setbacks in the recovery process. Even so, the club expects to manage his return carefully to avoid further issues. Rushing a player back without complete match fitness can be risky for long-term availability.
If the current path continues, the midfielder will provide a welcome option for the squad selection. Fans looking for the latest insights on upcoming matches can explore the latest football predictions on our platform.