Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has defended Sebastian Pedersen amid questions about the striker’s limited playing time, saying the forward has shown commitment and is adapting well to the club.
Speaking at a press conference at Orlando Amstel Arena on Thursday, Ouaddou said Pedersen was working hard in training and remained part of his plans despite struggling to secure a regular place in the team.
The 27-year-old joined the Soweto club at the beginning of the 2026/27 season after leaving Norwegian second-tier side Sogndal FC.
However, Pedersen has yet to start a match for Pirates and has made only four appearances in the Betway Premiership and MTN8, all as a substitute. He has also yet to register a goal or an assist.
Competition for Places Limits Striker’s Opportunities
Pedersen faces competition from Yanela Mbuthuma, Boitumelo Radiopane and Evidence Makgopa for a place in the Pirates attack.
Makgopa’s recent return from injury has added another option for Ouaddou as the club manages its attacking resources.
The coach acknowledged the number of strikers available in the squad but said Pedersen’s limited involvement should not be interpreted as a problem between the player and the technical team.
“There is no issue with Sebastien. I’m happy with his commitment, I’m happy with his integration. We are doing everything to help him, but as I said, we have many strikers in that area,” Ouaddou told journalists.
Pirates Coach Says Pedersen Is Close to a Bigger Role
Ouaddou said the Norwegian forward was making progress and could earn more opportunities when the coaching staff considers the timing appropriate.
He explained that the club was working to improve Pedersen’s match fitness and prepare him for a more substantial role on the pitch.
“For sure, he is close. He is working very hard in training. We are trying to give him 90 minutes in the legs with impact players, and he is doing well,” the coach said.
Ouaddou added that he expected Pedersen to contribute to the team but wanted to ensure his introduction into the starting line-up benefited both the player and the squad.
“So, I’m just expecting the right moment to bring him into our team. I’m sure he is somebody who is going to help us,” he said.
The Pirates coach also stressed the importance of allowing new signings time to adjust to unfamiliar surroundings rather than blaming them for taking longer to settle.
“I don’t want to blame the player, so we have to analyse the right moment to bring him in order to help the team. But he is close. What I’m seeing in training, he is doing great things,” Ouaddou added.
Altitude Identified as One of Pedersen’s Adaptation Challenges
Ouaddou also pointed to Johannesburg’s altitude as a factor that could affect Pedersen’s adjustment to South African football.
The striker arrived from Norway, where he had been playing at a lower altitude. Johannesburg sits approximately 1,700 metres above sea level, presenting a different physical environment for players accustomed to competing closer to sea level.
“Something that is very important as well is that he came to a city where we have 1,700 metres of altitude,” Ouaddou explained.
He said the change in conditions was one of several factors the club needed to consider when helping the forward adapt.
“So when you play at the level of the sea, you come from a country where you were at the level of the sea, and you come to a city where you are playing at an altitude, it’s not easy. So, all these factors must be taken into consideration to help the player,” he said.
Pirates Continue Preparing for the Season’s Challenges
Pedersen joined Pirates with expectations that he would provide another attacking option as the club pursues its objectives in domestic competitions and the CAF Champions League.
Despite his limited appearances so far, Ouaddou has maintained that the striker is progressing in training and remains close to earning a more prominent role.
The coach said the technical team would continue assessing when best to increase Pedersen’s involvement as he adjusts to his new environment and competes for a place in the starting line-up.
