‘Baby Haaland’ Sebastian Pedersen could hold key to Orlando Pirates’ MTN8 hopes

Orlando Pirates’ new Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen could provide the goals they need as they pursue a record-extending fifth MTN8 title and their 15th top-eight competition success in the South African top flight.

Pedersen, who has been nicknamed “Baby Haaland” because he is from the same country as Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, is yet to make his debut for Orlando Pirates. He was an unused substitute during their 3-0 victory over Chippa United, but supporters are eager to see him given a regular opportunity in attack.

Pirates face Sekhukhune United in the first leg of their MTN8 semi-final at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with kick-off at 15:00.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has made clear that he values clean sheets and goals, but the attacking side of his team has not yet produced the clinical edge he wants. Yanela Mbuthuma has not scored this season despite the manager’s backing and faces increased scrutiny following Evidence Makgopa’s injury.

Pedersen was warmly received when he joined Pirates in pre-season, and Ouaddou and his technical staff believe the striker’s finishing ability could address the team’s problems in front of goal.

“There’s a lot of excitement around him. We are happy. When we see his data from his previous club – and what we need in our games – he’ll fit in well,” Ouaddou explained.

“When you look at the data, Pirates created the most chances on the continent, but the average conversion was low. So, we needed to find a solution, and he’s the man scouting spotted to help us.

“At the moment, I think he’s really happy to join Orlando Pirates. We have seen a lot of excitement and happiness from him at training. I have seen that he definitely has finishing qualities. I don’t need a month to see that he’s a finisher.”

Ouaddou stopped short of confirming whether Pedersen would be introduced against Sekhukhune United, saying the player still needed more time to reach full fitness.

“The main thing now is to put his qualities on the table and for him to show those qualities,” Ouaddou said. “It’s important for him to be fit. That’s an area where he’s not at 100 per cent, but the conditioning department is working with him.

“It’s an area where you need to be cautious. I was in that situation. When you travel as a football player to a new environment and country, there’s a need for integration. You have to eat differently. A lot of things change, and that’s mental, so those things take time.

“Like everyone, I want to see him on the pitch, but as a coach, I can’t throw him into the fire, only for the fire to burn him.”

Pirates will need to improve on their narrow 2-1 MTN8 quarter-final win over Durban City if they are to take control of the tie. They will meet Babina Noko three times in succession this week, with the semi-final first leg followed by a midweek league fixture and then the return leg at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday afternoon.

At the other end of the pitch, goalkeeper Sipho Chaine has recorded two clean sheets in four matches. Although he conceded in the other two games, his form has impressed Ouaddou, who has also praised captain Nkosinathi Sibisi for helping the squad move on quickly from the excitement surrounding the World Cup.

Ouaddou has attracted considerable attention since the season began after saying some of his international players had not yet fully refocused on domestic football after representing Bafana Bafana at the World Cup. Following the criticism that followed, he said he would adopt a different method to motivate his squad, while acknowledging that Pirates still required a strong collective effort.

“I have been here for more than a year. The media is starting to know the coach psychologically. I know the players very well, and they know me as well,” Ouaddou said. “Perhaps, if it’s not your custom to put a little bit of pressure on the players to get a reaction, then it’s not a familiar concept.”