Orlando Pirates News Today: Pedersen’s arrival date, big squad could force loan exits & more

Orlando Pirates news, as Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen’s arrival date in South Africa is revealed while the Buccaneers’ swelling squad is reportedly attracting loan interest from PSL clubs.

When new striker Pedersen will arrive

New Orlando Pirates signing Sebastian Pedersen is expected to land in South Africa on Tuesday as he prepares to link up with his new teammates, according to iDiski Times.

Orlando Pirates new striker Sebastian Pedersen. Photo: Orlando Pirates

The 27-year-old Norwegian striker was confirmed as the club’s latest addition last week, arriving from Sogndal on a three-year deal that includes an option to extend. Having completed his medical and paperwork during the club’s pre-season tour of Spain, Pedersen will join the squad belatedly following their season-opening 2-0 Betway Premiership victory over Milford.

The forward arrives with a record of 59 goals and nine assists in 166 appearances at club level, and earned 23 caps for Norway across youth levels from U16 to U21, scoring seven times.

Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has welcomed the addition, highlighting the competition the striker will bring to an already-loaded attacking unit.

Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen has joined Orlando Pirates. Image: Imago

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

“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.”

Big Pirates squad could spark loan exits

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates’ sizeable first-team squad is drawing attention from several PSL clubs, with loan moves increasingly likely before the transfer window closes.

A number of clubs are closely monitoring developments at Pirates, with the possibility of loan moves for players who may find regular game time difficult to come by this season.

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou having a chat with players – Image Pirates

Chippa United, Siwelele FC and Orbit College FC are among the clubs keeping a close eye on the situation, although it remains to be seen whether Pirates will sanction temporary departures.

The speculation follows head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou openly acknowledging the challenges of managing such a large squad — one that only grew further with Pedersen’s imminent arrival.

Striker Sifiso Luthuli is among those whose futures appear uncertain, with another loan spell emerging as a possibility following the club’s confirmation of Pedersen’s signing.

The 25-year-old did not travel with the Buccaneers to Spain for their pre-season tour, and the landscape in the attacking department has since become significantly more crowded, with an attacking unit that already includes Evidence Makgopa, Yanela Mbuthuma and Boitumelo Radiopane, among others.