Orlando Pirates Coach Ouaddou, Staff Hospitalized After South Africa Road Accident

Abdeslam Ouaddou, the head coach of South Africa's Orlando Pirates FC and former Morocco international, was seriously injured in a secondary car accident while assisting victims of an initial crash on the R21 highway. After the team's 3-0 victory over Chippa United, Ouaddou and several staff members stopped to help two vehicles involved in a collision when a Nissan NP200 vehicle struck the stationary cars and the group, causing severe injuries to Ouaddou and five staff members. All injured individuals were immediately hospitalized and are under medical care, with the club maintaining close contact with medical teams and providing support to affected families. Notably, goalkeeper coach Tyrone Damons suffered a broken leg and underwent surgery. The accident raises concerns about the team’s readiness for their upcoming MTN8 cup final against Stellenbosch on September 13. Orlando Pirates emphasized the priority is the health and wellbeing of those injured and has requested privacy as they recover.