Sebola backs Orlando Pirates striker Pedersen to succeed despite slow start

Legendary Orlando Pirates striker Andries Sebola believes Sebastian Pedersen needs time to adapt and will eventually prove he can succeed at the club, despite concerns that he could join a list of underwhelming foreign forwards.

The 27-year-old Norwegian arrived from Sogndal Fotball during the off-season with a significant reputation, having been dubbed “Baby Haaland” because he comes from the same country as Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.

However, Pedersen has struggled to secure regular playing time, including during the absence of leading striker Evidence Makgopa through injury. He has made only four appearances for Pirates in all competitions, all as a substitute.

Pirates have opted to introduce him carefully while he builds up his match fitness. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou previously said Pedersen was not yet at 100% after moving from Norway.

Sebola, who played for Pirates in the mid-90s, believes the striker will improve once he becomes more familiar with his team-mates and the demands of South African football.

“When they signed him, they saw the future. It’s a matter of time and given a chance to know his teammates I think he will make it,” Sebola said.

“The boy will rise to the occasion. He is not a bad player. He will give competition to the other strikers that have been there. Now people are crying too much about [Yanela] Mbuthuma’s performance, he is on and off.

“Let’s give him time, it is not easy to come from where he was to acclimatise. He is not like Brayan Leon at [Mamelodi] Sundowns, there it’s a different team altogether.”

Sebola also believes Pedersen’s movement and desire are encouraging signs, while questioning whether he has received enough service from his team-mates.

“They must introduce him gradually, one thing for sure… he is going to deliver. He is hungry, you can see the movement, [but] does he get the supply?” he said.

“The only thing that worries me much is that a lot of players are coming back from injury now and it is a matter of being patient. I followed him before he came to Pirates and I’m quite sure we will see the difference.”

Sebola said it remained too soon to judge Pedersen because he had not been given enough opportunities. The striker was still adapting to “the kind of football we play in SA”.

Foreign strikers who struggled at Pirates

Pedersen’s slow start has prompted comparisons with several foreign forwards who failed to make a lasting impact at Pirates.

Cameroon striker Bienvenu Eva Nga returned to Chippa, the club from which he had been signed, after scoring one goal in 17 appearances between June 2022 and January 2024.

Jean-Marc Makusu joined Pirates on loan from AS Vita in November 2020 with a reputation as a prolific goalscorer. His spell in South Africa was affected by poor fitness and difficulty adapting, and he scored once in eight appearances.

Souaibou Marou arrived after being included in Cameroon’s 2022 Fifa World Cup squad, but left Pirates in 2024 without scoring in nine appearances.

Ghanaian forward Kwame Peprah joined from King Faisal in 2021 but endured a disappointing spell. He was later loaned to Maritzburg United, where he also failed to make a significant impact.