Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi has sparked debate among Buccaneers supporters after delivering a strong assessment of Norwegian striker Sebastian “Baby Haaland” Pedersen, questioning whether the Soweto giants made the right investment by bringing the forward to the club.

Vilakazi, who remains a respected figure in Orlando Pirates history, believes Pedersen has yet to demonstrate the quality expected of a striker representing one of South Africa’s biggest football clubs. His concerns centre on the forward’s limited involvement and apparent struggle to establish himself as a regular first-team option.

Speaking about Pedersen’s performances, Vilakazi did not hold back, suggesting that Pirates may have spent their money on a player who has not made the desired impact.

“Pirates wasted money on Pedersen. Bafethu, I am saying this based on what I see week in week out,” Vilakazi said.

The former midfielder also questioned why Pedersen continues to struggle for selection when other attacking options, including Evidence Makgopa, Tshegofatso Mbuthuma and Boitumelo Radiopane, remain part of the team's plans.

“We still see Mbuthuma, Makgopa and Radiopane. Why I am saying Pirates wasted money on (Baby) Haaland is because if he was any quality, I doubt Ouaddou was going to bench him,” he added.

Vilakazi's argument is that a striker with the necessary quality should be capable of convincing head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou to give him regular opportunities. He also highlighted Radiopane's previous experiences at the club, pointing out that being left out of the matchday squad does not necessarily mean a player cannot work his way back into the starting line-up.

However, Pedersen's situation should also be considered within the wider competition for attacking positions at Orlando Pirates. The technical team has the responsibility of selecting players according to their performances in training, tactical requirements and contributions to the squad.

For Pedersen, the expectations are particularly significant because of the attention surrounding his nickname, 'Baby Haaland'. Supporters naturally want to see goals, confidence and consistency from a striker expected to strengthen the Buccaneers' attacking department.

Vilakazi's criticism has now placed additional attention on the Norwegian forward's performances and future at the club. Ultimately, Pedersen will have to respond on the pitch and demonstrate that he deserves a bigger role under Ouaddou.

The big question remains: Has Orlando Pirates made a mistake with Pedersen, or does the Norwegian striker simply need more time to prove his quality?

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