Orlando Pirates legend Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi has launched a scathing assessment of Norwegian striker Sebastian “Baby Haaland” Pedersen, questioning his quality and suggesting that the Buccaneers wasted money on his signing.

Vilakazi, a former midfielder who enjoyed a successful spell with the Soweto giants, believes Pedersen has failed to demonstrate the quality required to establish himself as a regular member of the Pirates squad.

Speaking about the striker's performances, Vilakazi insisted that his criticism was based on what he had observed from week to week rather than speculation.

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

The former Pirates star further questioned why head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has continued to overlook Pedersen when selecting his matchday squads.

According to Vilakazi, the Norwegian forward's inconsistent involvement in the team raises serious questions about whether he has done enough to convince the technical team of his abilities.

He pointed out that Pirates continue to rely on other attacking options, including Evidence Makgopa, Tshegofatso Mabasa and Boitumelo Radiopane, while Pedersen struggles to secure a consistent place in the squad.

Vilakazi argued that if Pedersen possessed the necessary quality, he would have expected the coach to give him more opportunities, particularly when the team needs attacking reinforcements.

He also referenced Radiopane's previous situation at the club, explaining that although the young striker had at some point been excluded from the matchday squad, he subsequently returned to feature in the starting line-up.

For Vilakazi, Pedersen's repeated absence from the matchday squad is an indication that the Norwegian has yet to convince the coaching staff.

His comments have added another dimension to the debate surrounding Pirates' recruitment decisions and whether the club is getting sufficient value from its attacking signings.

Pedersen will now face growing scrutiny as he looks to prove his worth and fight for a regular place in the Buccaneers' plans.

Source : https://x.com/MDNnewss/status/2120811416143675450?a=IaBZ6klblNpl7MyJkkc&s=19