Abdeslam Ouaddou reacts to Pedersen Pirates debut

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has reacted to the long-awaited debut of Sebastian Pedersen in the 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final over the weekend.

The 27-year-old centre-forward entered the fray as a substitute in the second half, replacing Yanela Mbuthuma up top, much to the delight of the of the Bucs faithful who had been yearning to see him in action.

He was lured from Norwegian second-tier outfit Sogndal IL on a two-year deal with an option to extend, hot on the heels of scoring eight goals in 14 league outings last season.

While Pedersen has finally turned out in the famous Pirates jersey, the Bucs mentor has cautioned that scoring goals in the PSL won't be a walk in the park, and insists the player still needs to adjust to his new surroundings.

“Every league has its specificity and we don't have to think that because you come from Europe it will be easy. The PSL is a good level, there is speed, there is impact, and organized teams. So, I think the level is high,” said Ouaddou.

"And I'm sure he will integrate very quickly, but like I said, we have to help him to integrate quickly to the environment. It's not easy when you come 10 000 or 15 000 kilometres to a new environment.

"We have to be really cautious and create the right environment for him to express himself in the team and definitely to help us because he's definitely a good quality.

Pirates, meanwhile, return to action with a Betway Premiership clash against Sekhukhune at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday, 25 August, before the second leg of the cup tie at the same venue.

Hlayisani Magoro

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Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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