Former Orlando Pirates winger Sifiso Myeni challenges Abdeslam Ouaddou to unleash forgotten Sebastian Pedersen

Former Orlando Pirates winger Sifiso Myeni has urged head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou to give Sebastian Pedersen a fair opportunity to prove his worth, questioning why the Norwegian striker has seen so little action since joining the club.

Pedersen, 27, arrived at the Buccaneers from Norwegian side Sogndal during the off-season on a two-year contract but has struggled to secure regular playing time, leaving sections of the supporters frustrated with his limited involvement.

Myeni believes the forward deserves the same opportunities afforded to fellow strikers Evidence Makgopa, Boitumelo Radiopane and Tshegofatso Mbuthuma, insisting that Pedersen must be given a proper run before his ability can be judged.

“Makgopa, Radiopane, Mbuthuma — Pedersen also deserves the same chance that everyone is getting,” Myeni said on Omni Audio Africa.

“Some have had five, six, seven, eight games. But Pedersen’s games are very few. We can’t sign a player and then not have a say. Let’s see him.”

Myeni questions Pedersen’s limited opportunities

The former Pirates star’s comments highlight growing questions over the Norwegian’s role in Ouaddou’s attacking plans, particularly as the club continues to rotate its available forwards.

Pedersen joined Pirates with an impressive scoring record, having registered 51 goals in 117 appearances before his move to South Africa. Those numbers raised expectations that he could offer the Buccaneers another reliable option in front of goal.

However, his involvement has largely been restricted to brief appearances, making it difficult for him to establish himself or demonstrate the qualities that convinced Pirates to secure his services.

Myeni argues that the striker should receive a comparable opportunity to his competitors, rather than remain on the fringes while others accumulate minutes.

For the former winger, the issue is not necessarily whether Pedersen should immediately become the first-choice striker but whether he has been given enough time on the pitch to make a meaningful impression.

The competition for places in Pirates’ attack has remained intense, with Makgopa, Radiopane and Mbuthuma among the forwards competing for opportunities under Ouaddou.

Myeni’s intervention adds to the scrutiny surrounding the club’s use of its attacking options, with supporters eager to see whether the Norwegian can translate his previous scoring form into performances in the Premier Soccer League.

Ouaddou’s adaptation concerns under scrutiny

Ouaddou has previously explained that Pedersen needed time to improve his fitness and adjust to a new environment following his arrival from Norway.

Adapting to a different league, tactical demands and playing conditions can take time, particularly for a foreign recruit arriving at a club with significant expectations.

However, Myeni’s argument is that the striker must be allowed to demonstrate his capabilities in competitive matches if he is to become a meaningful contributor to the team.

Without consistent minutes, Pedersen faces a difficult task in building rhythm, developing an understanding with his teammates and adapting to the demands of South African football.

His limited involvement also leaves questions over how effectively Pirates can assess his potential contribution over the course of the season.

Pedersen faces a defining opportunity

The pressure is now on Ouaddou to decide whether to expand Pedersen’s role as Pirates seek consistency in attack.

The coach must balance the need to give a new signing time to settle with the demands of competing for results and maintaining competition among his forwards.