{
  "id": 16189777,
  "title": "Pirates’ Ouaddou gives update on Pedersen ahead of Stars clash",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/23/pirates-ouaddou-gives-update-on-pedersen-ahead-of-stars-clash",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-23T13:43:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/pirates-ouaddou-gives-update-on-pedersen-ahead-of-stars-clash/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Orlando Pirates' head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou explained the reasoning behind Sebastian Pedersen's limited playing time. The new striker, who joined the Buccaneers from Sogndal IF at the start of the season, has struggled to secure regular game time. The 27-year-old competes with Yanela Mbuthuma, Boitumelo Radiopane, and Evidence Makgopa for the top spot in the attack. During a press conference ahead of their CAF Champions League preliminary round second-leg match against African Stars, Ouaddou stated that the technical team is adopting a cautious approach to ensure Pedersen is ready for South African football. \"We have many strikers in that area. For sure, he's working very hard in training; we are trying to give him really 90 minutes in the legs, with the impact players, and he's doing well,\" Ouaddou said. \"I'm just waiting for the right moment to bring him into our team,\" he added, emphasizing the importance of not rushing the player. Pedersen could be introduced to the lineup when Pirates face African Stars at the Orlando Amstel Arena, where a win would see the Buccaneers progress to the group stage if they avoid defeat or secure a narrow victory.",
  "summary": "\"There are no issues with Sebastian; I'm happy with his commitment,\" said Ouaddou.",
  "key_points": [
    "Abdeslam Ouaddou explains Pedersen's limited playing time.",
    "27-year-old Pedersen competes with four others for top striker spot.",
    "Ouaddou adopts cautious approach to ready Pedersen for South African football."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The cautious integration of Sebastian Pedersen signals a tactical priority to protect the new striker from the physical demands of South African football while managing a crowded attacking rotation.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}