Johannesburg – Orlando Pirates has confirmed that head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and five members of his technical team were seriously injured in a road traffic accident on the R21 highway.
The incident occurred while the group was returning from Gqeberha, following the Buccaneers’ 3-0 victory over Chippa United. According to the club, Ouaddou and his colleagues had stopped to assist at the scene of an earlier collision when tragedy struck.
A Nissan bakkie reportedly crashed into the stationary vehicles, hitting the Pirates coach and staff members who were outside at the time. All six sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospital.
In a statement, the club said the families of those affected are receiving support, and that Pirates’ management is monitoring their recovery closely.
The news has sent shockwaves through the football community, with supporters and fellow clubs extending prayers for the speedy recovery of the coach and his staff.