Ouaddou backs Pirates recruitment as Pedersen arrival bolsters title defence hopes

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says new striker Sebastian Pedersen has the qualities to strengthen the club’s title defence – but has stressed that integrating the Norwegian into the squad will be as important as his individual talent.

Speaking at a media day at Rand Stadium ahead of the Soweto club’s opening league fixture against top-flight newcomers Milford FC, Ouaddou underlined his belief that the Buccaneers are prepared for the challenge of retaining their domestic league crown.

The Moroccan coach praised the club’s scouting department for securing Pedersen, who was officially unveiled on 26 July and is expected to add a new dimension to Pirates’ attacking options.

“I think the scouting department saw him, we studied him, and I think it’s somebody who can bring us his freshness, his quality and his competencies,” Ouaddou told journalists.

The Sea Robbers, who dominated opponents for long spells last season, have identified greater ruthlessness in front of goal as the missing piece in their push for more trophies. Ouaddou made clear that clinical finishing is the key area he wants to sharpen as Pirates seek further silverware.

Pedersen’s early link-up in Spain

Ouaddou revealed that Pedersen had already spent time with his new team-mates before putting pen to paper, travelling to Spain to join Pirates during their intensive pre-season camp, which featured five matches.

“It’s why it was very important for us to have him with us for a couple of days in Spain trying to integrate him, because you can be a good player, but when you come into a new environment, we have to make it easy for him and to integrate him in our collective,” he said.

The 27-year-old centre-forward arrives in Johannesburg with solid European experience following a productive spell at Sogndal Fotball, his former club in Norway. Pirates believe that background, combined with his attributes in the final third, can help convert their territorial and attacking dominance into goals.

Forward forced to sit out media day

Despite the fanfare around his signing, Pedersen was a notable absentee from the session at Rand Stadium, missing from the group made available for media duties as he continues to finalise his integration into the squad setup.

Pirates have not indicated any injury concern, and his absence is understood to be part of the process of settling the striker fully into Ouaddou’s plans before he is considered for competitive action.

Once he is eligible for selection, Pedersen will not be guaranteed an immediate starting place, with Ouaddou making it clear that competition for roles in his preferred XI will remain fierce.

Intense battle for starting role

Pedersen’s arrival adds further depth to a forward line already containing several established options. He will be in direct contention for minutes with Bafana Bafana international Evidence Makgopa, promising youngster Boitumelo Radiopane and fellow attacker Yanela Mbuthuma.

All three domestic forwards have been involved in Pirates’ recent campaigns and are familiar with the demands of competing at the top end of the South African game.

Ouaddou’s comments underline that Pedersen has been brought in to enhance rather than overhaul the current attacking unit, with the head coach keen to blend the Norwegian’s profile with the existing core of strikers.

As Pirates prepare to launch their bid to defend the league title, the club’s recruitment strategy – and how quickly their latest European signing adapts – is set to be a central theme of their season.