Orlando Pirates strengthened their attacking department on Sunday by completing the signing of Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen, adding fresh firepower as they prepare to defend their Betway Premiership title and challenge for CAF Champions League success.

The 27-year-old arrives in South Africa after spending his entire professional career in Norway, making this his first move abroad.

Born in Hamar, Pedersen began his football journey with hometown club Hamarkameratene before joining Stabæk’s academy, where he progressed through the youth system and eventually broke into professional football.

Football runs in the family, with Sebastian being the younger brother of former Norway international Marcus Pedersen, who enjoyed spells in both the Netherlands and Turkey.

After impressing for Stabæk’s reserve team, Pedersen made his senior debut in August 2016, coming off the bench in a Norwegian Cup fixture against FK Haugesund at just 17 years old. He opened his first-team scoring account two months later, netting in another cup tie against Lillestrøm.

In 2018, Pedersen signed for Strømsgodset, where he spent several seasons that included a number of loan moves as he sought regular first-team football. He eventually returned to his boyhood club, Hamarkameratene, in 2020, continuing his development before earning a move to Orlando Pirates.

Pedersen’s career gained real momentum after joining Moss in 2021. During his time at the club, he scored an impressive 30 goals in 72 appearances, making 42 starts and establishing himself as one of the league’s most reliable forwards. His performances earned him a move to Sogndal in 2025.

The Norwegian continued his fine goalscoring form at Sogndal, finding the net 21 times in 45 appearances, including 41 starts. Across his professional career, Pedersen has registered 59 goals and nine assists in 166 matches.

At international level, Pedersen represented Norway at every youth level from Under-15 through to Under-21. However, he is still waiting for his first senior national team call-up.

Standing at 1.80 metres, Pedersen is not an imposing physical presence, but he makes up for it with his movement and work rate. His former club Sogndal described him as a striker who is at his best through the middle, while also being capable of playing on the left flank. He is known for his relentless pressing, intelligent runs behind defences and ability to exploit space inside the penalty area.

The 27-year-old has also highlighted his own strengths, describing himself as an honest and hard-working player whose biggest asset is his finishing. He enjoys leading the press from the front and is comfortable battling physically with central defenders despite not fitting the mould of a traditional target man.

His arrival gives Orlando Pirates a different attacking option. Unlike Evidence Makgopa, who is more of a classic number nine known for his aerial ability and hold-up play, Pedersen offers mobility, aggressive pressing and sharp movement in and around the box, adding a new dimension to the Buccaneers’ frontline.