Ngubane says Pirates must start Pedersen to see his true quality

Mlungisi Ngubane believes Sebastian Pedersen needs a starting opportunity before a proper judgement can be made on the Norwegian’s ability at Orlando Pirates.

Pedersen made his much-anticipated debut in Pirates’ 1-0 MTN8 semi-final second-leg victory over Sekhukhune United at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. The forward came on for Yanela Mbuthuma in the 65th minute and almost marked his first appearance with a goal.

He found himself with only the goalkeeper to beat after his first opportunity, but his effort went wide of the target.

Ngubane, the former Maritzburg United coach, said the limited time Pedersen spent on the pitch was not enough to show why Pirates brought him to South Africa.

“I haven’t seen enough of him. Yes, he showed good signs, but I haven’t yet seen what they brought him here for,” says the ever-frank Ngubane, in conversation with KickOff.

The former coach acknowledged that Pedersen displayed encouraging qualities, but said the player still needed to demonstrate how he would fit into the way Pirates play.

“As a country, we are still waiting to see why Pirates brought him here. His idea of playing football is fine; he’s got it, but we still have to see why he had to be brought to South Africa.

“We still have to see if he fits into the Pirates’ style of play. That’s the only way we’re gonna see if he is really a good player for them.

“Maybe 25 minutes was not enough for him; maybe he is still going to show us how good he really is. I mean, it had been a long time since he had last played. I believe we’re going to see the real Pedersen once they allow him to start a game.

Ngubane was encouraged by the 25-year-old’s touches and movement away from the ball, while also pointing to the expectations surrounding a player recruited from Norway.

“I liked his touches and movement off the ball, but as someone who was brought here all the way from Norway, we’re expecting more from him. His physique and presence make him appears a good player, but he needs more minutes on the pitch for us to make a proper analysis of him,” added the former Maritzburg United coach.

Pedersen could have the chance to make his second appearance for Orlando Pirates when they face Sekhukhune United, also known as Babina Noko, in a Betway Premiership fixture on Tuesday.

The match is scheduled to take place at Orlando Amstel Arena at 19:30. It will provide Pedersen with another opportunity to build his match fitness and give Ngubane and Pirates supporters a longer look at what he can offer.

His debut came after a lengthy period without playing, according to Ngubane, who believes a starting role would offer a clearer indication of the Norwegian’s quality than a short substitute appearance.