- Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou gave an honest assessment of striker Sebastian Pedersen's progress since arriving from Norway
- Pedersen has played less than 90 minutes of competitive football, with several forwards currently ahead of him in the pecking order
- Ouaddou pointed to a specific environmental challenge as a key factor in determining when Pedersen will be ready to start
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has indicated that Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen is edging closer to earning a starting berth, but insists that several factors must align before the forward is handed an extended run in the team.
Pedersen has accumulated fewer than 90 minutes of competitive action since joining the club from Norway, with Yanela Mbuthuma, Evidence Makgopa and Boitumelo Radiopane all appearing to rank above him in the attacking pecking order.
**Ouaddou Satisfied With Pedersen's Work Rate**
Despite the limited game time, the Pirates coach expressed satisfaction with the striker's attitude and progress in training sessions. "There's no issues with Sebastian, I'm happy with his commitment, I'm happy about his integration, we are doing everything to help him," Ouaddou said.
He added that the technical staff are focused on building Pedersen's match fitness gradually. "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. So I'm just expecting the right moment to bring him into our team. I'm sure he's somebody who is going to help us."
**Altitude a Key Concern for New Signing**
Ouaddou was candid about the unique difficulties facing players who relocate to Johannesburg, citing the city's elevation as a significant physical hurdle. He emphasised that the club has no intention of rushing Pedersen into competitive football before he is fully prepared.
"I already spoke about this issue, when you come into a new environment, it's very important to bring the player in at the right timing. I don't want to burn the player, so we have to analyse the right moment to bring him in, to help the team," Ouaddou explained.
The coach then turned specifically to the altitude challenge Pedersen faces, having previously played at sea level in Norway. "He comes into a city where we are over 1,000 metres altitude. You understand, so when you play at sea level and you come to a city playing at high altitude, it's not easy, hey, it's not easy. All these factors must be taken into consideration in order to help the player."
Despite the careful management, Ouaddou left no doubt that he views the striker as a future contributor. "He's close. What I'm seeing in training, he's doing great things," he said.
Source: Briefly News