Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and five staff members have been hospitalised following a serious accident in Gqeberha on Sunday night. The incident occurred on the R21 highway as the team was returning from a hard-fought 3-0 victory against Chippa United.
According to a statement released by the club, the accident took place after coach Ouaddou and several staff members disembarked from the team bus to assist those involved in a previous collision between two vehicles. Tragically, while they were attending to the scene, a Nissan NP200 vehicle collided with the stationary vehicles, striking the group and causing serious injuries.
“The club is in close contact with the medical team and will provide updates on their recovery in due course,” the statement read. “At this stage, our priority is the health and well-being of our colleagues.” The affected individuals were immediately transported to hospital, where they are currently receiving medical care.
In light of the incident, the club has made arrangements to ensure that both the affected individuals and their families receive all necessary support during this difficult time. This unfortunate news comes as yet another blow to the Pirates, whose preparations for the upcoming MTN8 final have already been hampered by the call-up of eight of their players for international duty.
The situation was exacerbated by the recent withdrawal of Patrick Maswanganyi from the Bafana Bafana squad due to an injury he sustained during the match against Chippa United. Maswanganyi has been replaced by his teammate Sipho Mbule, who joined the national team on Monday for their first training session at Dobsonville Stadium, preparing for FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria.
Mbule is among fellow Buccaneers players—Sipho Chaine, Thalente Mbatha, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Kamogelo Sebelebele—who have been called up to represent South Africa. Additionally, Deon Hotto has been selected for Namibia's national team.
The players are expected to return to the Buccaneers on 10 September, just three days before their final against Stellenbosch FC at Mbombela Stadium. In contrast, Stellies have only one player, Thabo Moloisane, in the Bafana team, as he was called up late to replace the injured Ime Okon.
As fans and the football community await updates on the health of coach Ouaddou and the staff, the Orlando Pirates organisation remains focused on providing support and resources needed during this challenging time. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of life, even in the midst of celebration on the field.
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