Orlando Pirates’ new striker Sebastian Pedersen has yet to play a competitive match for the club, but the Norwegian has already sparked excitement among supporters, who have nicknamed him “Baby Haaland” on social media.
The 27-year-old forward has joined the Buccaneers from Norwegian side Sogndal Fotball on a long-term contract and is in line to make his debut when Pirates open their 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign against Milford FC this weekend.
Pirates confirmed that Pedersen has agreed a two-year deal, with an option for the Soweto club to extend his stay by a further season.
“The 27-year-old has put pen to paper on a two-year deal, with the Club holding an option to extend for a further season,” the club announced in a statement.
“He becomes the newest addition to Abdeslam Ouaddou’s squad as the Buccaneers prepare for a competitive season ahead.”
‘Blonde bomber’ arrives with strong scoring record
In unveiling their new striker, Pirates underlined both Pedersen’s development in Norwegian football and his recent form in front of goal.
“Pedersen arrives from one of Norwegian football’s great talent factories. The blonde bomber is cut from that cloth, having featured at junior national team level from U15 all the way to U21. In terms of his style of play, Pedersen is considered a one-touch finisher rather than a bulldozer. He has recorded 51 goals in his last 117 matches.”
Pedersen’s international youth pedigree and goals return have raised expectations that he can add cutting edge to Ouaddou’s attack as Pirates aim to challenge on multiple fronts in the coming season.
Comparisons with Erling Haaland
It is Pedersen’s blond hair and Norwegian roots, however, that have led many fans to immediately draw playful comparisons with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.
Despite Pedersen being a year older than Haaland, Pirates supporters have flooded social media with posts referring to their new signing as “Baby Haaland” and “Haaland from Temu”.
The tone of the reaction has been light-hearted, but reflects the level of anticipation surrounding his arrival at Orlando Stadium.
Social media reaction
Some fans have mixed humour with high expectations as they reacted to the club’s latest acquisition.
@ChrisExcel102 wrote: “Baby Haaland has landed in the best country in the world.”
Another supporter, @Mnca_mnce, referenced both the nickname and Pirates’ domestic ambitions: “Orlando Pirates spent R60 million to sign Haaland from Temu. All this energy to win the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup.”
Comparing attitudes between fanbases, @RealTshemedi2 posted: “Pirates are signing Haaland from Temu and the fans are welcoming him with open arms. My fanbase would have said he is another Kambole. We are always negative when our players are announced. The difference is big.”
Highlighting how quickly the nickname has stuck, @RM_Mish08 added: “Orlando Pirates fans have already renamed him Haaland. The poor guy hasn’t even unpacked his bags yet!”
High expectations for immediate impact
Although the Haaland references are made in jest, they underscore the pressure on Pedersen to hit the ground running as Ouaddou’s side head into a new campaign targeting silverware.
With Orlando Pirates again expected to compete strongly in the Betway Premiership as well as in domestic cup competitions such as the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup, Pedersen’s ability to translate his Norwegian scoring record to South African football will be closely watched.
Supporters will hope that the man they have dubbed “Baby Haaland” can quickly turn the social media hype into goals on the pitch when the season gets under way against Milford FC.
