Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou welcomes arrival of striker Sebastian Pedersen

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says he is pleased that new striker Sebastian Pedersen has finally arrived in South Africa, with the Norwegian now set to compete for a place in the Buccaneers’ attack.

The 27-year-old joined Pirates from Norwegian club Sognal IF and was involved in the club’s pre-season preparations in Spain. He subsequently returned to Norway before travelling to South Africa, arriving during the current week.

Pedersen watched from the stands at eSgodini on Saturday as Pirates defeated 10-man Durban City 2-1. The winning goal came from Ghampani Lungu in extra-time, after Pirates had again struggled to make their attacking opportunities count.

Ouaddou was asked whether Pedersen could provide the answer to the team’s problems in front of goal. The Pirates coach welcomed the competition his arrival would create among the club’s existing forwards, although he stopped short of presenting the Norwegian as an immediate solution.

“It’s all the time a good news for, for coach to have to have a new player,” he stated.

“And he’s part is part of our strikers that we have already, and it’s a very good news for everybody.

“Everybody is impatient to, to see him, and yeah, he will be part of the, the competition among, among all the strikers that that we have.”

Pedersen’s arrival gives Ouaddou another option as Pirates continue their campaign in the Betway Premiership and prepare for the demands of domestic competition, including the MTN8.

The striker had already spent time with the squad during the club’s pre-season stay in Spain, but his temporary return to his home country delayed his arrival in South Africa. He was therefore present at eSgodini as an observer rather than as part of the Pirates matchday involvement against Durban City.

His first opportunity to feature will be closely watched, particularly after Pirates needed a late extra-time goal to secure victory on Saturday. The result came against a Durban City side reduced to 10 players, but Pirates were unable to turn that numerical advantage into a more comfortable scoreline.

For now, Ouaddou has described Pedersen’s arrival as positive news for the whole squad. The coach indicated that the Norwegian will have to compete with the other strikers already at the club, rather than being guaranteed a role in the starting line-up.

Pirates’ attacking options will now include a player who has worked with the squad in pre-season and has completed his move from Norway. Ouaddou’s comments suggest that Pedersen will be assessed alongside the club’s existing forwards as the season progresses.

The coach also acknowledged the anticipation surrounding the new signing. Pirates supporters and those within the team are waiting to see the Norwegian in competitive action, with his arrival adding another layer of competition to the squad’s forward positions.