Ouaddou says Pedersen is close to Orlando Pirates breakthrough

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says Sebastian Pedersen is close to earning a starting place, but insists the striker’s introduction must be managed carefully.

The Norwegian has played fewer than 90 minutes since joining the Buccaneers and is still building the fitness required to compete for a regular role.

Pedersen faces strong competition for places in attack from Yanela Mbuthuma, Evidence Makgopa and Boitumelo Radiopane. Ouaddou believes the forward is progressing well in training, but does not want to expose him to the demands of competitive football before he is ready.

“There’s no issues with Sebastian, I’m happy with his commitment, I’m happy about his integration, we are doing everything to help him,” Ouaddou said.

“Like I said, we have many strikers in that area. For sure, he’s working very hard in training, we are trying to give him really 90 minutes in the legs, with the impact players, and he’s doing well.

“So I’m just expecting the right moment to bring him into our team. I’m sure he’s somebody who is going to help us.”

Ouaddou said the club’s technical staff were taking account of both Pedersen’s physical condition and the adjustment involved in joining a new team and environment.

The coach added that he wanted to avoid rushing the striker into action and instead identify the point at which he could make a sustained contribution to Pirates.

“At the same time, I already spoke about this issue, when you come into a new environment, it’s very important to bring the player in at the right timing. I don’t want to burn the player, so we have to analyse the right moment to bring him in, to help the team,” he added.

“He’s close. What I’m seeing in training, he’s doing great things.”

The altitude in Johannesburg is another factor being considered by the Pirates coach. The city is more than 1,000 metres above sea level, and Ouaddou believes adapting from playing at sea level can take time.

“Something that is very important as well, he comes into a city where we are over 1,000 metres altitude. You understand, so when you play at sea level and you come to a city playing at high altitude, it’s not easy, hey, it’s not easy,” Ouaddou explained.

“All these factors must be taken into consideration in order to help the player.”

Pedersen’s progress towards the starting line-up will therefore depend on his adaptation, match fitness and the competition among Pirates’ attacking options. Ouaddou’s assessment is that the striker is nearing his opportunity, but the club will wait for the right moment to use him more regularly.