Tso urges patience with Pedersen after Orlando Pirates' 1-0 MTN8 debut

Benedict Vilakazi has urged patience with Sebastian Pedersen after the Norwegian striker made his Orlando Pirates debut in a 1-0 MTN8 semi-final first-leg victory over Sekhukhune United on Saturday. Pedersen entered the match for the final 25 minutes as Pirates took a narrow advantage into the tie’s second leg.

The 27-year-old joined Pirates from Norwegian first-division club Sogndal last month. His previous spell there produced eight goals and one assist in 14 appearances, but Vilakazi believes the new signing needs time to adjust before firm conclusions are drawn about his ability.

Vilakazi highlighted Pedersen’s technical qualities during his short appearance. The former Norway youth international showed a willingness to find teammates with passes, while his movement and understanding of the team’s attacking demands remain areas for development.

The analyst said Pedersen must become familiar with his new teammates, the pace of the South African league and the instructions of the coaching staff. That process includes learning when and where to make his runs, as well as allowing the technical team and the squad to understand his strengths.

Pedersen arrived with a record that includes appearances for Norway from under-16 to under-21 level, although he has not represented the senior national team. He also finished as the leading scorer in Norway’s Norsk Tipping-Ligaen avdeling 2 in the 2016/17 season after scoring 25 goals.

His brief involvement against Sekhukhune came as Pirates secured a one-goal lead in the MTN8 semi-final. Vilakazi also saw evidence of awareness in Pedersen’s play, pointing to the striker’s ability to recognise passing opportunities as one quality that can help him settle at the club.