Sebastian Pedersen unlikely to make Orlando Pirates debut against Milford FC

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says new signing Sebastian Pedersen is unlikely to be available for Saturday’s Betway Premiership opener against newly promoted Milford FC because of delays involving his work permit and other administrative clearances.

The Buccaneers begin their defence of the Betway Premiership title at 15:30 CAT on Saturday, when they host Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena.

Pedersen, a 27-year-old Norwegian striker, was officially unveiled by Pirates on Sunday after completing a move from Sogndal Fotball, who compete in the Norwegian First Division. However, supporters hoping to see the club’s marquee attacking addition in competitive action will probably have to wait.

Ouaddou said the forward had not yet completed the necessary administrative process and had not arrived in South Africa.

“I don’t think he [Perdesen] is already in the country,” Ouaddou said.

“Of course, you know when you sign a player there’s a whole lot of administrative issues, but hopefully he will come soon.”

“I’m quite sure that he will not be part of the opening game.”

The comments were made at the official Betway Premiership launch on Wednesday, with Ouaddou acknowledging Pedersen’s importance to the campaign while accepting that his debut would be delayed.

The absence of the Norwegian means Pirates are expected to turn to their other attacking options as they seek maximum points in their first league match of the new domestic cycle. Evidence Makgopa and Yanela Mbuthuma are among the forwards available to the technical team.

Pirates have made nine signings during the summer and supporters, known as the Ghost, will be keen to see some of the new arrivals involved when they attend the opening fixture. The club is entering the new campaign after strengthening its squad, but Pedersen is unlikely to be among those introduced against Milford FC.

The match is the first step in Pirates’ attempt to retain the league title, while Milford FC face the reigning champions after securing promotion. With the paperwork for Pedersen still being finalised, the Soweto giants must begin their title defence without the striker who was recruited from Sogndal Fotball.

For now, the club’s focus will be on the players cleared to feature and on making a winning start at the Orlando Amstel Arena. Pedersen’s arrival is expected to add further attacking quality once the outstanding work permit and administrative issues have been resolved.