Orlando Pirates supporters may have received their first major clue about Sebastian Pedersen’s role at the club after the Norwegian striker was spotted wearing a new jersey number during training.
Pedersen was seen wearing number 31 on his training kit, suggesting that the shirt could be his official number for the new season.
The number became available following Selaelo Rasebotja’s move to Siwelele FC, opening the door for Pirates’ latest signing to take over the shirt.
While the club’s training images do not necessarily constitute an official squad-number announcement, the sighting has certainly caught the attention of Buccaneers supporters.
Pedersen could make Pirates debut against Sekhukhune
The timing is particularly interesting because Pedersen could make his competitive debut for Orlando Pirates as soon as Saturday.
The Buccaneers are set to face Sekhukhune United in the MTN8 at Peter Mokaba Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.
If selected by coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, Pedersen could immediately get his first opportunity to show Pirates fans why the club brought him to South Africa.
Why Orlando Pirates signed Pedersen
The 27-year-old striker joined Orlando Pirates on a two-year contract with an option for another season.
He arrives from Norwegian football with a respectable scoring record and considerable experience across the country’s professional leagues.
Over the past four-and-a-half seasons with Sogndal and Moss FK, Pedersen scored 51 goals and provided eight assists in 117 appearances.
He also represented Norway from Under-15 through to Under-21 level.
Those numbers suggest Pirates have signed a striker who knows where the back of the net is.
A different attacking option for the Buccaneers
Pedersen could also provide Ouaddou with a different type of attacking option.
Rather than being solely reliant on physicality, the Norwegian is regarded as a striker who relies heavily on movement, positioning and quick finishing.
His ability to make intelligent runs and finish with minimal touches could give Pirates another dimension in the final third.
He will, however, face competition for a place in the starting XI from Yanela Mbuthuma and Boitumelo Radiopane, while Evidence Makgopa remains sidelined through injury.
Will Pedersen wear No. 31?
For now, the number 31 appears to be the clearest indication yet of Pedersen’s shirt number at Orlando Pirates.
The bigger question is whether supporters will get to see the Norwegian wearing the famous black-and-white colours in a competitive match this weekend.
If Ouaddou gives him the nod against Sekhukhune, Pedersen could have the perfect opportunity to make an immediate impression.
Would you like to see Sebastian Pedersen start for Orlando Pirates?
