Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has opened up on the rationale behind signing Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen ahead of the new season.
The Buccaneers completed their eighth signing of the current transfer window after snapping up the left-footed attacker, Pedersen, for the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.
Prior to Pedersen’s arrival, the Buccaneers had already added Neo Rapoo, Ghampani Lungu, Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Sbangani Zulu, Bohlale Ngwato, Matome Mmolai, and Aphiwe Baliti, who has since rejoined Siwelele FC on a season-long loan. On Wednesday, Pirates confirmed their ninth signing of the transfer window, landing Thapelo Mokobodi from Stellenbosch FC.
The Soweto giants have proven to be one of the busiest clubs in the current transfer market, reinforcing their squad to maintain the momentum that saw them secure a domestic treble last season. Pirates clinched the MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup, and Betway Premiership titles in the previous campaign during head coach Ouaddou’s first season at the helm.
Despite an impressive run that saw them score a whopping 58 goals in the league, the Buccaneers’ central strikers struggled in front of goal.
The Sea Robbers had Evidence Makgopa, Yanela Mbuthuma, and Boitumelo Radiopane sharing responsibilities upfront, but none managed to reach the 10-goal mark.
In a bid to improve their clinical edge in the box, Pirates have signed Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen, who has been described by the club as a lethal, one-touch finisher.
WHAT OUADDOU SAID ABOUT SEBASTIAN PEDERSEN’S ARRIVAL
Addressing the arrival of the left-footed attacker, Ouaddou admitted that Pirates had to enter the market for a striker after their forwards struggled in front of goal last season.
“I think the scouting department of the club is looking for a profile that can help us increase the average of the conversion rate,” Ouaddou said at Rand Stadium on Tuesday during Pirates’ media open day.
“As you know, last season we were the team on the continent that had the best average of chances created, and we have some good players with us, but we need this finisher.”
Ouaddou also confirmed that Pedersen was with the squad in Spain during their pre-season tour, giving the technical team an opportunity to assess him.
“The profile that can finish the action, I think the scouting department has seen him; we’ve studied him, and I think he’s somebody who can bring us the freshness; he’s a quality player, and that’s why it was important for us to have him for a couple of days in Spain to try and integrate him. You know you can be a good player, but when you come to a new environment, we have to make it easy for you and integrate you into our group,” added the Bucs coach.
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