Orlando Pirates have issued a statement on a road traffic incident that involved several members of the team, including head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, as the team returned from Gqeberha.
Reports surfaced on Monday evening that several members of the club had been involved in a non-fatal road accident.
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On Tuesday morning, the Soweto giants confirmed the incident via a statement, clarifying that the incident had occurred on the R21 highway during the team's return from Gqeberha, where they had played against Chippa United earlier in the day.
According to the statement, head coach Ouaddou and five staff members of the team had been injured while attempting to help people involved in a separate collision between two vehicles.
"The incident occurred on the R21 highway as the team returned from Gqeberha, following their hard-fought 3–0 victory against Chippa United," a club statement reads.
Upon encountering a collision between two vehicles, Coach Ouaddou and several staff members disembarked from the team bus to assist those involved. Tragically, while attending to the scene, a Nissan NP200 vehicle collided with the stationary vehicles, striking the group and causing serious injuries.
FULL CLUB STATEMENT:
Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm that Head Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and five members of the club’s staff were involved in a road traffic incident on Sunday night.
The incident occurred on the R21 highway as the team returned from Gqeberha, following their hard-fought 3–0 victory against Chippa United. Upon encountering a collision between two vehicles, Coach Ouaddou and several staff members disembarked from the team bus to assist those involved. Tragically, while attending to the scene, a Nissan NP200 vehicle collided with the stationary vehicles, striking the group and causing serious injuries.
Coach Ouaddou, along with the five affected staff members, were immediately transported to hospital, where they are currently receiving medical care. The Club is in close contact with the medical team and will provide updates on their recovery in due course.
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At this stage, our priority is the health and well-being of our colleagues. The Club has made arrangements to ensure that the affected individuals and their families receive all the necessary support during this difficult time.
We ask for privacy and respect for those involved as they focus on recovery. Further updates will be communicated when appropriate.
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
