Ouaddou highlights key Pirates problem that Sebastian Pedersen will solve

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has weighed in on what new signing Sebastian Pedersen brings to his team following his high-profile arrival from Norway.

Pirates shook up the PSL last month when they confirmed the signing of Pedersen from Norwegian side Sogndal Fotball, the 27-year-old signing a two-year contract, which includes an option for another.

Pedersen is yet to make his Pirates debut, having arrived in South Africa last Sunday, and as he familiarises with his new surroundings, his new coach is excited by what he will add to the group.

Ouaddou explains what Pedersen brings

“The club brought him to increase our average of chance creation and to increase the average of conversion because we still create many chances,” Ouaddou told the media after his team’s 1-1 draw with AmaZulu FC on Wednesday, when they missed a number of key chances.

Abdeslam Ouaddou explains why Orlando Pirates signed Sebastian Pedersen. ☠️ ⚽️ 🇳🇴 pic.twitter.com/6wFjPsRDbU

— SoccerBeat (@SoccerBeatZA) August 13, 2026

“If you see the chances that we manage to create in a game…yes of course we hope that he [Pedersen] is going to bring us this efficiency in the box,” added the ex-Marumo Gallants coach.

Indeed, pirates have been guilty of missing great opportunities, including a couple that should have won them the game against AmaZulu, something Pedersen will be expected to correct once he finally dons the black and white jersey of the Soweto giants.

New Pirates striker has big reputation

The striker arrives with a big reputation, having been compared to Manchester City star Erling Haaland, who he competed against for a starting spot in Norway’s U18 and U19 sides.

Pedersen has joined the Buccaneers with an impressive goal-scoring record after netting 51 times in his last 117 appearances for his former club.

He is a product of Norwegian football’s renowned development system, having represented his country at every youth level from Under-15 to Under-21. Described as a “one-touch finisher” rather than a physical “bulldozer,” his playing style is expected to bring a sharp, clinical edge to the Pirates’ frontline.

Pedersen arrives at Pirates at a crucial time when Yanela Mbuthuma has not been firing on all cylinders while Evidence Makgopa is out injured for at least two months, giving him a chance to prove that he is the man to lead the line for Ouaddou’s side.