Ouaddou explains why Pedersen is yet to start for Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says new striker Sebastian Pedersen is being introduced cautiously as the club work to ensure he is ready physically and mentally for a regular role.

The 27-year-old Norwegian has made only three appearances for Pirates, each coming as a second-half substitute, since joining the club in July.

Pedersen signed a two-year contract with the option of a further year after moving from Norwegian second-tier side Sogndal IF. He arrived with a strong reputation as a clinical finisher, but has so far had limited opportunities under Ouaddou.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday before Pirates’ crucial CAF Champions League preliminary round second-leg match, Ouaddou insisted there were no concerns about the forward.

“There’s no issues with Sebastian,” he said.

“I’m happy with his commitment, I’m happy about his integration, we are doing everything to help him,” Ouaddou added.

The coach said competition for places in attack was also affecting Pedersen’s involvement, while explaining that the technical team wanted to build up his match fitness before giving him a longer run.

“As 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,” said Ouaddou.

Pedersen currently sits behind several established options in a competitive Pirates attack, with Evidence Makgopa, Yanela Mbuthuma and Boitumelo Radiopane all retaining their places ahead of him.

Radiopane has been the most productive of the group in the league, scoring 3 goals in 5 appearances. Mbuthuma, the club’s big-money signing, has scored 2 goals in 6 appearances and remains Ouaddou’s preferred target man.

Makgopa has yet to score in his only appearance this season. He has spent much of the campaign sidelined with patellar tendinitis.

Pirates will have little time to consider their attacking options as they prepare to face African Stars F.C. tonight in the CAF Champions League.

The match comes as the Soweto club continue their continental campaign, with Ouaddou managing Pedersen’s integration alongside the demands of a tightly contested forward line.