Orlando Pirates turn to ‘Baby Haaland’ for clinical start against Milford FC

Defending Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates begin their title defence against newly promoted Milford FC at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, with Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen expected to add a sharper edge to their attack.

Pirates return to league action as champions after ending a 14-year wait for the title last season. Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou now faces the task of ensuring that achievement becomes the starting point for continued success rather than the high point of the club’s recent progress.

The Soweto side’s pre-season results were mixed, but Ouaddou has repeatedly emphasised the need to carry forward the standards established during their title-winning campaign instead of placing too much importance on friendly matches.

Pirates have also begun the new season with a changed squad after Relebohile Mofokeng moved to Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. The reigning PSL Footballer of the Season will not be directly replaced by one player, with Ouaddou viewing the responsibility as a collective one.

Pedersen is nevertheless expected to make a significant contribution. The Norwegian forward is the latest international recruit to join Pirates and arrives with a strong scoring record and extensive experience of Norwegian football. South African supporters have already given him the nickname “Baby Haaland”.

Pirates created more chances than any other team on the continent last season but at times lacked the finishing touch to match their attacking output. Pedersen’s arrival is intended to address that weakness as the champions seek a more clinical edge.

Captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has challenged his team-mates to make Orlando Stadium a fortress once again. That will be central to Pirates’ hopes of successfully defending the title, particularly as they prepare for another demanding campaign involving both domestic and continental commitments.

The champions are also likely to rely heavily on Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi and goalkeeper Sipho Chaine as they look to begin the season strongly.

Appollis is expected to be one of the main sources of attacking danger. The Bafana Bafana winger combines pace, creativity and direct running, qualities that have made him one of the league’s most dangerous attacking players. Milford’s defence will face an immediate test as it attempts to contain him.

Saturday will be the biggest occasion in Milford FC’s history. The KwaZulu-Natal club secured promotion to the Premiership and will now make its long-awaited top-flight debut against the reigning champions, with the visitors hoping to disrupt Pirates’ celebrations.

Head coach Xanti Pupuma has guided Milford into unfamiliar territory and is likely to set up his side in a disciplined, compact shape. Pirates are expected to control much of the possession, leaving Milford to focus on defensive organisation and the possibility of threatening on the counter-attack.

Their ability to remain together without the ball and make the most of transition opportunities could determine whether they leave Soweto with a memorable result.

For Pirates, the match offers more than the chance to claim three points. A convincing opening victory would send an early message that last season’s title success was not a one-off and that they remain the side to beat in South African football.

Milford begin the contest with little pressure and plenty to gain. Even a draw against the defending champions would represent an outstanding start to life in the Betway Premiership and could give the newcomers considerable belief for the weeks ahead.