Following the high-profile unveiling of Norwegian forward Sebastian Pedersen as their new No. 9, Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is finalizing his tactical blueprint for the upcoming Betway Premiership campaign.
The 27-year-old left-footed striker arrives from Sogndal Fotball on a two-year deal (with an option for a further season) having built a lethal reputation in Scandinavian football, netting 51 goals in 117 matches across his last four-and-a-half seasons.
Orlando Pirates’ Potential Starting XI with Pedersen
Based on tactical combinations utilized during their five-match European pre-season tour in Spain, Ouaddou’s preferred line-up in the post-Relebohile Mofokeng era is taking clear shape:
- Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine
- Defense: Kamohelo Sebelebele (RB), Nkosinathi Sibisi (CB & Captain), Lebone Seema (CB), Deon Hotto (LB)
- Midfield: Sihle Nduli (DM), Thalente Mbatha (CM), Patrick Maswanganyi (AM)
- Attack: Tshepang Moremi (RW), Oswin Appollis (LW), Sebastian Pedersen (ST)
Chaine
Sebelebele - Sibisi (C) - Seema - Hotto
Nduli - Mbatha
Maswanganyi
Moremi Appollis
Pedersen
Profile: What Pedersen Brings to the Buccaneers
Rather than functioning as a physical target man, Pedersen is classified as a sharp, highly intuitive “one-touch finisher” who excels with off-the-ball movement inside the 18-yard box. Throughout his senior career, the former Norway youth international has averaged a goal every 161 minutes.
- Scandinavian Journey: Developed at Stabæk and HamKam, Pedersen went on to feature for Strømsgodset, Strømmen, and Notodden before experiencing his most prolific spells with Moss FK and Sogndal.
- Current Form: Pedersen started 2026 in fiery form, scoring eight goals in 14 Norwegian First Division appearances prior to finalizing his move to Soweto.
Title Defence Starts Saturday
Pedersen marks the Buccaneers’ eighth signing of a busy transfer window. Ouaddou’s new-look side will debut this Saturday, 1 August 2026, when they begin their Betway Premiership title defence at home against newcomers Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena (15:00 CAT).
