THE FUSE

Best Orlando Pirates XI after the Pedersen signing?

Most of Pirates’ acquisitions this window have been with the view of future-proofing their squad with young options. After the sale of Rele Mofokeng, the club needed a statement signing, and it remains to be seen whether Christian Pedersen will fit the bill. For now, the jury is out, and the Norwegian might need to sit on the bench to prove his worth.

Chaine; Sebelebele, Sibisi, Seema, Hotto; Nduli, Mbatha; Moremi, Dansin, Appollis; Makgopa.

Who is Sebastian Pedersen?

Pedersen arrives with an impressive pedigree. The striker represented Norway at every junior international level from Under-15 through to Under-21.

Across the last four-and-a-half seasons with Sogndal and Moss FK, he has scored 51 goals and contributed eight assists in 117 appearances.

Describing their new signing, Orlando Pirates highlighted Pedersen’s goalscoring qualities. “In terms of his style of play, Pedersen is considered a one-touch finisher rather than a bulldozer.”

Winger Edmilson Chaney has reportedly signed for Pirates from Hope FC, but will be immediately loaned back to the Cape Town side. The 19-year-old is highly thought of, though, and Pirates see him as a big prospect. The winger was instrumental in helping his side gain promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Despite rumours of a move away for Oswin Appollis, the 24-year-old Bafana star looks set to stay put.

Diminutive in stature, Cape Town City star Emile Witbooi is far from the finished product. However, the 17-year-old is highly thought of in South Africa. City has placed a big price tag on his head, thought to be rising to R20 million, so Pirates will need to think long and hard about how they structure any potential deal for the attacking midfielder born in 2008.

Pirates’ Betway Premiership title defence in 2026-27 gets underway against Milford FC on Saturday, 1 August. Kickoff is at 15:30.