Ouaddou Explains ‘Haaland’ Absence And Appollis Injury Update
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained why Sebastian Pedersen is still waiting for his first start, insisting that the Norwegian striker is close to earning his opportunity.
The 27-year-old has struggled for regular game time since joining the Buccaneers, making only a handful of appearances, usually coming off the bench for 15 minutes or less. On some occasions, he has also been left out of the matchday squad.
Pedersen faces stiff competition for a place in the starting line-up, with Boitumelo Radiopane and Yanela Mbuthuma among the strikers featuring regularly. Evidence Makgopa’s return also gives Ouaddou another option in attack.
However, the Pirates coach has praised Pedersen’s commitment and progress in training, explaining that the club is carefully managing his integration into the team.
“There is no issue with Sebastian. I’m happy with his commitment and integration. We are doing everything we can to help him,” Ouaddou said.
“As I said, we have many strikers in that position, but he is close. He is working very hard in training, and we are trying to get him to 90 minutes in his legs while using him alongside the impact players. He is doing well, and I’m just waiting for the right moment to bring him into the team.
“I’m sure he is someone who is going to help us, but when you come into a new environment, it is very important to introduce a player at the right time. I don’t want to burn him out, so we have to analyse the right moment to bring him in and help the team.
“He is close. What I’m seeing in training is that he is doing great things. Another very important factor is that he has come to a city that is 1,700 metres above sea level.
“When you come from playing at sea level to a country and a city where you have to play at altitude, it is not easy. All these factors must be taken into consideration to help the player.”
Pedersen will be hoping to earn his first start when Pirates face Namibian side African Stars in the second leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary-round tie at Orlando Amstel Arena on Friday evening.
The Buccaneers hold a 1-0 advantage after winning the first leg.
The former Sogndal striker is also yet to make his CAF Champions League debut for Pirates this season, despite the club having already played three matches in the competition.
With the Buccaneers aiming to secure a place in the next round, the encounter could provide Pedersen with another opportunity to convince Ouaddou that he is ready for a more prominent role.
Meanwhile, Ouaddou has also provided an update on Oswin Appollis ahead of the clash, although he remains cautious about rushing the Bafana Bafana winger back into action.
Appollis missed the first leg against African Stars after picking up an injury in Pirates’ most recent league match against TS Galaxy. Although the winger has returned to training, Ouaddou stressed that his recovery must be managed carefully.
“Look, I’m happy that he is back in training. Thursday’s target was to assess him and see what he is able to do. We started with the warm-up to see whether he could sprint, so it is good news,” Ouaddou added.
“I spoke with him at the end of training, and he told me that he no longer feels any pain.
“At the same time, you have to understand that Oswin is a very important player for our team. I call them all Ferraris because they are all Ferraris. You have to take good care of a Ferrari’s engine, and I don’t want to take any risks with one of our important players.
“We have many important games coming up, as someone mentioned, so we have to be careful and not rush the process.”
While Pedersen continues to work towards securing a starting place, Pirates will also be monitoring Appollis’ fitness as they prepare for Friday’s crucial continental encounter.
