Orlando Pirates assistant coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and several members of his technical staff were rushed to hospital after being involved in a road accident in Gqeberha on Sunday evening.
The club confirmed the incident in a statement, saying that the group was travelling together when their vehicle collided with another car on the outskirts of the city. Emergency services responded swiftly, and those injured were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
“Coach Ouaddou and some members of our staff sustained injuries in a motor vehicle accident in Gqeberha. They are currently receiving medical attention, and we are closely monitoring their recovery,” the statement read.
Although the extent of their injuries has not yet been fully disclosed, the club reassured supporters that all individuals involved were stable and expected to make a full recovery. No fatalities were reported.
The incident occurred as Pirates were preparing for their next fixture in the DStv Premiership, with the team set to face Chippa United later this week. It is unclear at this stage whether Ouaddou and the affected staff members will be fit to join the squad for the upcoming match.
Supporters and fellow football figures have flooded social media with messages of concern and support. “We wish Coach Ouaddou and his team a speedy recovery. The football family stands with them,” said PSL chairman Irvin Khoza in a statement of solidarity.
Police have confirmed that an investigation is underway into the cause of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest that wet road conditions may have played a role, though authorities have not ruled out other factors.
Orlando Pirates are expected to release further updates on the condition of Ouaddou and his colleagues in the coming days.