Benedict "Tso" Vilakazi, a former midfielder for the Orlando Pirates, has been somewhat critical of Sebastian "Baby Haaland" Pedersen, a Norwegian striker, and has questioned whether or not the Buccaneers were wise to spend money on him.

According to Vilakazi, who is still well-respected by Orlando Pirates fans for his time on the pitch, Pedersen has not lived up to expectations since joining the Soweto giants.

The ex-midfielder was forthright in his assessment of the striker's play, implying that the Pirates may have been foolish to invest in a player who has failed to cement his place in the starting lineup.

While discussing Pedersen's predicament, Vilakazi made it plain that his critique was based on his observations of the club's consistent results.

Pedersen was a drain on the pirates' budget. What I witness week after week is the basis for my statement, Bafethu," Vilakazi remarked.

The speculation over Pedersen's future with Orlando Pirates has intensified due to his remarks, which have thrown fuel to the fire about the intense rivalry for offensive roles under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

It seems that the striker's incapacity to obtain regular starting lineup chances or even ensure his spot in the matchday squad is Vilakazi's main worry.

The former Pirates player claims that because Pedersen isn't seeing much action, the technical staff is seriously doubting whether he has earned a larger role.

Vilakazi said that Pedersen hasn't had much of an impact since other offensive alternatives such Evidence Makgopa, Boitumelo Radiopane, and Tshegofatso Mbuthuma have been kept in the lineup.

Mbuthuma, Makgopa, and Radiopane are still visible. I doubt Ouaddou would have benched Baby Haaland if he had been any good, which is why I'm thinking the Pirates wasted their money on him.

A guy with Pedersen's level of talent should be able to break into the coach's plans, according to the former midfielder, who went on to wonder why the player isn't always included to the gameday roster.

While talking about Radiopane's past with the club, he brought up how the young striker would sometimes be benched for a game but would eventually make it back into the starting lineup.

This contrast brings to light what Vilakazi sees as a concerning scenario for Pedersen, who has not yet shown the consistency that would make him a valuable offensive option for the Buccaneers, in his opinion.

Nonetheless, Ouaddou and his technical staff are still in charge of making selections. They evaluate players according to how well they do in training, how well they fit the team's strategy, and how much of an impact they have overall.

The predicament that Pedersen found himself in serves as another example of the difficulties faced by international players who sign with a major football club in South Africa. When a new striker joins the team with a name or reputation that fans are excited about, expectations are certain to be high.

The term "Baby Haaland" is sure to get more attention, particularly from fans who are hoping more goals, more physicality, and more offensive play from their favourite player.

But Vilakazi's remarks make one wonder whether Pedersen would be able to repay the money invested in him.

Convincing Ouaddou that he deserves a more prominent position at Orlando Pirates is now the difficulty facing the Norwegian attacker. His performance on the field has the potential to alter the storyline of his tenure with the club.

Pedersen is under more scrutiny to demonstrate his worth to the Buccaneers after a legendary Pirates player openly questioned his worth.

Source: https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2120811416143675450?a=kgv_tzHNuShrERspZXk&s=19