Ngubane warns Orlando Pirates fans not to ‘overhype’ new striker Pedersen

Former Orlando Pirates coach Mlungisi Ngubane has urged the club’s supporters to temper their expectations of new signing Sebastian Pedersen, drawing parallels with Kaizer Chiefs’ ill-fated move for Colombian forward Jasond Gonzalez.

Ngubane says the buzz around Pedersen’s arrival from Norway is beginning to mirror the excitement that surrounded Gonzalez when Kaizer Chiefs announced the striker’s loan signing from Bolivian club Real Santa Cruz in 2023.

Gonzalez joined Chiefs on a season-long deal and arrived with a reputation as a powerful, imposing centre-forward. But his time at Naturena unravelled quickly, as he failed to register a single goal or assist in 14 appearances in all competitions.

Ngubane believes that experience should serve as a warning to Pirates fans who are already pinning their hopes on Pedersen.

“Nowadays it’s difficult to say which club has signed better because teams now sign young unknown players, but I saw Pirates has signed a striker from Norway,” Ngubane tells KickOff.

Scepticism over pre-season form

Pedersen has been described as a penalty-box finisher and poacher rather than a physical target man, and he linked up with Pirates as they stepped up preparations for the new campaign, including matches played in Spain.

Ngubane, however, insists that pre-season performances are not a reliable guide to how a striker will cope in competitive domestic action.

“I saw Pirates playing in Spain, but you can’t judge them based on pre-season alone; only the MTN8 will give us a clearer picture,” he says.

He stresses that the real test will come once the season is under way, with the pressure of trophies and points at stake, rather than friendlies.

Concerns over service to Pedersen

Ngubane also questions whether Pirates’ playing style will suit Pedersen and allow him to thrive in the South African game.

“Pedersen is joining a skillful team. Maybe at his previous club, strikers relied on crosses. If that’s the case, he might not get enough service. They might have brought in another Evidence Makgopa,” he argues.

By comparing Pedersen’s situation to Evidence Makgopa, Ngubane hints at the risk of a forward struggling not because of a lack of quality, but due to the way the team plays and the type of service provided.

He suggests that even strikers who look well-equipped physically can be exposed if the system does not fit their strengths.

“A person might look dangerous but only to find out they are scared of a rat. Looks can be misleading sometimes. Pedersen might look dangerous, but what matters is what he can do on the field wearing the heavy Pirates jersey,” Ngubane adds.

Gonzalez signing used as cautionary tale

Ngubane repeatedly returns to the example of Jasond Gonzalez as a reminder that physical presence and fan hype are no guarantee of success.

“Kaizer Chiefs once signed a striker from Colombia. A well-built, big striker. Only for us to find out mid-season that he was a ‘scam.’ A big man like a basketball or rugby player. Off the pitch, he looked dangerous,” he says.

Gonzalez’s disappointing stint at Chiefs, after arriving from Real Santa Cruz with high expectations, has become a reference point for failed transfers in recent South African football seasons.

Ngubane implies that Pirates must avoid a similar scenario with Pedersen by ensuring clarity over how the Norwegian will be used and supported on the pitch.

Tactical advice for Pirates

To give Pedersen the best chance to succeed, Ngubane believes Orlando Pirates may need to adapt parts of their attacking approach.

“Orlando Pirates should play crosses into the box to make it easier for their new striker,” he says.

With Pedersen widely regarded as a penalty-area specialist, Ngubane suggests a greater emphasis on wide play and delivery into the area could be crucial if the new signing is to justify the excitement among the Buccaneers’ faithful.

While Pedersen has described his move as “a once in a lifetime opportunity”, Ngubane’s message to Pirates and their fans is one of caution: wait for the MTN8 and the competitive season to reveal whether the club’s latest attacking recruit can live up to his billing – and avoid becoming another Gonzalez-style disappointment.