Ouaddou praises Pedersen after Orlando Pirates’ MTN8 semi-final win

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised Sebastian Pedersen’s promising debut while stressing that the new signing must improve his fitness before he can reach his full potential.

The Norwegian striker came on in the 65th minute of Pirates’ MTN8 semi-final first-leg meeting with Sekhukhune United at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday. The Buccaneers secured a narrow 1-0 away victory, with Deon Hotto scoring the only goal of the match.

Pedersen joined Orlando Pirates during the current transfer window and was handed his first appearance for the club from the bench. Although he did not get on the scoresheet, Ouaddou was encouraged by the striker’s willingness to look for a goal and his ability to contribute to the team’s approach.

The coach said Pedersen understood how to move into space and could operate effectively between the lines. Ouaddou also pointed to the striker’s technical quality as an asset that could benefit Pirates as he becomes more physically prepared.

“I think he came with a lot of [desire] to score if he got a chance to open his goal-scoring account, he joined the fighting spirit of our team. You can see really that he’s clever,” said Ouaddou.

“He’s clever in the game, he’s going in the space that we want to find him. He’s able to find the deep. We’re able to find him in the pocket.

“His technique quality is very interesting. I’m sure that he’s going to really help the team. But like I said in the press conference, the basics in football, even if you have such quality, you need a good preparation.

“You need to be ready physically. We can see today that after 15 minutes, he was short physically. We are keeping working with him in order to bring him to the high level of the fitness that I want for my game model.

“Actually, he still needs to increase the physical work in order to be able to shine and to show his quality because he has quality.”

Ouaddou’s comments underline the balance between Pedersen’s technical promise and the physical demands of his preferred style of play. The coach believes the striker already possesses the qualities required to make an impact, but says further preparation is necessary before he can perform consistently at the level expected.

Pedersen’s introduction came during a closely contested match in which Orlando Pirates ultimately protected their advantage after Hotto’s decisive strike. The result gives the Buccaneers a one-goal lead from the first leg of their semi-final against Sekhukhune United.

For Pedersen, the appearance marked the beginning of his time at Orlando Pirates. Ouaddou’s assessment suggests the club are encouraged by what the striker offers in possession and in his movement, while continuing to work on the fitness required for him to play a larger role in the team.