Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has said the signing of Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen was driven by the club’s determination to improve their finishing ahead of the new Betway Premiership season.
Pedersen completed a surprise move from Sogndal IL in Norway’s second tier and arrives as one of Pirates’ most eye-catching additions of the transfer window. The 27-year-old scored 51 goals and provided eight assists in 117 appearances for Sogndal and Moss FK over the past four-and-a-half seasons, while also beginning the current campaign with eight goals in 14 matches.
Ouaddou admitted Pirates had specifically targeted a striker capable of converting the chances created by a side that generated opportunities consistently last season.
READ: ‘I Couldn’t Pass Up The Opportunity’- Sebastian Pedersen Opens Up On Orlando Pirates Move
“The scouting department was looking for a profile that can help us increase the average of conversion,” the Moroccan coach said. “Last season we were among the best teams on the continent for chances created, and we felt we needed a different type of striker.”
Pedersen is expected to compete with Evidence Makgopa, Yanela Mbuthuma and Boitumelo Radiopane for a place in the attack.
Ouaddou believes the Norwegian’s greatest strength is his ability inside the penalty area. “We needed this finisher, this profile who can finish the actions,” he said.
The coach also stressed the importance of integrating Pedersen during the club’s recent pre-season tour of Spain to help him adapt quickly to a new country, league and dressing room before the campaign begins.