Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has clarified whether newly signed Norwegian forward Sebastian Pedersen will feature in their Betway Premiership opener against Milford FC.
The Buccaneers will start the new season with a league clash against newcomers Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, with the match set to kick off at 15:00.
Pirates’ opening match against the KZN-based side will give Ouaddou and his technical team a closer look at the readiness of the Bucs players as they aim to defend their Premiership title.
The Soweto giants went through an intense pre-season after travelling to Spain to prepare for the highly-anticipated 2026/27 campaign. Pirates used the European tour as an opportunity to integrate new signings into the squad and help them quickly gel with their teammates.
The Sea Robbers have signed Neo Rapoo, Matome Mmolai, Ghampani Lungu, Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Sbangani Zulu, Bohlale Ngwato, Thapelo Mokobodi, and Sebastian Pedersen—all of whom have been met with great excitement by Pirates fans.
ABDESLAM OUADDOU CONFIRMS SEBASTIAN PEDERSEN UNAVAILABILITY FOR MILFORD
Meanwhile, Pirates have also secured the services of Aphiwe Baliti from Siwelele FC and sent him back on a season-long loan.
With Bucs looking for fresh attacking prowess in the striking department, they welcomed the Norwegian forward to compete with Yanela Mbuthuma, Evidence Makgopa, and Boitumelo Radiopane for a place in the starting line-up.
As Pirates die-hard supporters wait in high anticipation to see Perdesen in action, Ouaddou says the 27-year-old is yet to arrive in the country, and he will not feature against Milford this coming weekend.
“I don’t think he [Perdesen] is already in the country. Of course, you know when you sign a player there’s a whole lot of administrative issues, but hopefully he will come soon,” Ouaddou said. “I’m quite sure that he will not be part of the opening game.”
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