Orlando Pirates striker Sebastian Pedersen to arrive in South Africa on Tuesday

Orlando Pirates’ new striker Sebastian Pedersen is due to arrive in South Africa on Tuesday, beginning the next stage of his career after completing his move from Norwegian club Sogndal.

The 27-year-old was announced as the Betway Premiership club’s latest signing last week and has agreed a three-year contract, with Orlando Pirates holding an option to extend the deal.

Pedersen completed his medical and the necessary paperwork while the squad was away on their pre-season camp in Spain. His arrival means he will join up with his new team-mates after Orlando Pirates opened their season with a 2-0 victory over Milford at the Orlando Amstel Arena this weekend.

The forward’s signing has already generated significant interest among the club’s supporters, while head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou believes Pedersen will give his attack a different option.

“Look, Sebastien will for sure join us. I think he has a profile that can help us with the others. We have [Boitumelo] Radiopane, we have [Yanela] Mbuthuma, we have [Evidence] Makgopa, we have [Sifiso] Luthuli,” he said.

“So he will be part of the competition. I think he’s somebody who is enjoying coming to South Africa in a big club. We’re expecting him, and I hope to get him quickly in our group. And I think the fans as well, they’re expecting him. They are very impatient to see him.”

Ouaddou’s comments underline the competition for places in the Orlando Pirates attack, with Pedersen joining Boitumelo Radiopane, Yanela Mbuthuma, Evidence Makgopa and Sifiso Luthuli among the forwards available to the manager.

The Norwegian arrives in South Africa with an established record at club level. He has scored 59 goals and provided nine assists in 166 appearances across all competitions.

Pedersen has also represented Norway at international youth level, earning caps from under-16 to under-21 level. He scored seven goals in 23 appearances for his country’s youth teams.

Although he was unable to be with the squad for the opening match of the campaign, the striker is now expected to link up with the group as Orlando Pirates continue their preparations for the season ahead.

His arrival will also give supporters their first opportunity to see the club’s newest attacking signing in person. Ouaddou said the coaching staff were keen to integrate Pedersen into the squad quickly, reflecting the anticipation surrounding the forward after his move was confirmed.

Pedersen’s three-year agreement, together with the extension option, represents a long-term commitment from Orlando Pirates as they add a player with experience in Norwegian football to their squad.

Story by Lorenz Kohler (@Lorenz_KO).