Sebastian Pedersen is yet to make an imoression to the supporters of Orlando Pirates but first, he has to get himself into playing squad.

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Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says Sebastian Pedersen is close to earning a starting role but is determined not to rush the striker’s integration into the team.

The Norwegian forward arrived at Pirates with competition for places already fierce, with Yanela Mbuthuma, Evidence Makgopa and Boitumelo Radiopane also vying for opportunities in attack.

With less than 90 minutes of action since his arrival, Pedersen is still working towards full match fitness as the technical team carefully manages his progress.

Ouaddou, however, is encouraged by the striker’s commitment and performances in training, and believes he can become an important player for the Buccaneers.

“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.

“Like 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.

“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.”

The Pirates coach stressed that adapting to a new club and environment requires careful planning, particularly when a player is still building up the physical readiness needed to handle the intensity of competitive football.

Rather than exposing Pedersen before he is ready, Ouaddou wants to identify the right moment for him to make a sustained contribution.

“At the same time, 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,” he added.

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

One of the key challenges is Johannesburg’s altitude, which can affect players arriving from places closer to sea level. Ouaddou believes that adjustment must be factored into the decision about when Pedersen is ready for a bigger role.

“Something that is very important as well, 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,” Ouaddou explained.

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

For now, Pedersen’s route into the starting line-up will depend on his adaptation, match fitness and the competition for places. Ouaddou’s message is clear: the striker is making progress, but Pirates want his introduction to come at the right time.