Norwegian striker takes time to adapt to new league and altitude

COACH Abdeslam Ouaddou urges Orlando Pirates fans not to worry about new striker Sebastian Pedersen.

The Norwegian forward joined the Buccaneers from Sogndal before the 2026/27 season on a two-year deal, with an option to extend for another year.

But Pedersen has had limited game time since arriving at the Soweto giants.

Ouaddou said the 27-year-old forward is working hard at training and slowly finding his feet in a new country, league and club environment.

“There’s no issue with Sebastian. I’m happy with his commitment. I’m happy with his integration. We are doing everything to help him,” said the Bucs mentor.

“We have many strikers in that area, but for sure, he is close. He is working very hard in training, and we are trying to give him 90 minutes in his legs with the impact players. He is doing well.”

The Pirates coach said competition for places in attack means that the technical team must choose the right time to give Pedersen more minutes.

He also made it clear that he doesn’t want to throw the striker into the deep end before he’s ready for the demands of Mzansi football.

“When you come into a new environment, it’s very important to bring the player in at the right time. I don’t want to burn the player, so we have to analyse the right moment to bring him in to help the team,” said Ouaddou.

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

Ouaddou said Pedersen is also adjusting to Joburg’s altitude. The city is about 1 700m above sea level, which can be tough for players coming from countries where they are used to playing at lower altitude.

“When you play at sea level and come to a country where you are playing at altitude, it’s not easy,” the coach said.

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

Pedersen is expected to add more firepower to Pirates’ attack as they chase success at home and on the continent.

With Ouaddou happy with his progress, the Norwegian striker will hope his chance in the famous black and white comes soon.