Norwegian striker needs to adjust to altitude and fierce competition for starting spot

Orlando Pirates supporters will have to wait a little longer before coach Abdeslam Ouaddou fully unleashes Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen.

Pedersen has only made four appearances in all competitions for the Buccaneers since he joined them to much fanfare in July.

Ouaddou says Pedersen has made progress in acclimatising to his new environment, and he is waiting for the right moment to give him more opportunities.

“There is no issue with Sebastian and I am happy with his commitment and integration,” Ouaddou said ahead of the second leg of the Champions League clash against African Stars of Namibia at Orlando Stadium on Friday (8pm), where Pirates are leading 1-0.

Competition among strikers at Pirates is fierce and Pedersen is fighting for a starting place with Evidence Makgopa, Yanela Mbuthuma and Boitumelo Radiopane.

“We are doing everything to help him but we have many strikers in that area. He is working hard at training and he is close.

“We are trying to give him 90 minutes in the legs with the impact players and he is doing well. I want the right moment to bring him into our team.

“I am sure he is somebody who is going to help us. When you come to a new environment, it is very important to bring the player in at the right moment.

“I don’t want to burn the player. We have to analyse the right moment in order to help the team but he is close and what I am seeing at training is that he is doing great things.”

Ouaddou added that Pedersen has struggled with altitude.

“Something that is also important is that he came to a city where we are at an altitude of 1,700 metres. When you play at sea level and come to a country that is at altitude, it is not easy.

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