Jersey number spotted: Orlando Pirates’ latest signing

The new Orlando Pirates striker was seen with the number 31 on his training kit. The jersey became available following Selaelo Rasebotja’s departure to Siwelele FC.

Pedersen could make his competitive debut for the Buccaneers as early as Saturday. The Buccaneers face Sekhukhune United in the MTN8 at Peter Mokaba Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.

NORWEGIAN GOALSCORING EXPERIENCE

The 27-year-old striker joined Orlando Pirates on a two-year contract with an option for an additional season.

Pedersen arrives from Norway, where he has built a strong goalscoring record over the 4past few seasons. He represented his country at every junior international level from Under-15 through to Under-21.

His club numbers are equally impressive. Across the last four-and-a-half seasons with Sogndal and Moss FK, Pedersen scored 51 goals and registered eight assists in 117 appearances.

Those numbers explain why the Betway Premiership champions moved to bring him to Soweto.

ORLANDO PIRATES EXPECT SEBASTIAN PEDERSEN TO ADD A NEW DIMENSION

The Buccaneers believe Pedersen can offer something different to their existing attacking options.

Rather than relying primarily on physical strength, the new Orlando Pirates striker has been described as a one-touch finisher who focuses on movement, positioning and quick finishing inside the box.

That could make him an interesting option for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, particularly if the Buccaneers want greater variety in the final third.

For now, the number 31 appears to belong to Pedersen, and supporters will be watching closely to see whether the Norwegian gets his first opportunity in the famous black and white on Saturday.

For a starting place, he competes with Yanela Mbuthuma and Boitumelo Radiopane, while Evidence Makgopa is out injured.

If selected against Sekhukhune United, Pedersen could begin his Orlando Pirates career with an MTN8 debut and immediately show Buccaneers supporters what he can bring to the attack.

WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM SEBASTIAN PEDERSEN?

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