English Premier League club stands with Pirates after horror road accident

English Premier League club Fulham have sent their best wishes to Orlando Pirates following a horror accident that saw head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and other staff members injured.  

Ouaddou was among six Pirates technical officials and players who sustained injuries after they were hit by a pickup truck as they were aiding victims of a car accident on Sunday when they were returning to Johannesburg following their 3-0 win over Chippa United.

“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,” Pirates said through a statement on Tuesday morning.

Pirates confirmed horror accident

“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,” the statement further read.

The accident has left the football fraternity in shock and while a number of South African clubs have sent their best wishes, Pirates have also received the same from England.

What have Fulham said?

https://twitter.com/FulhamFC/status/1963213864645927207

Fulham, who coach Ouaddou played for between 2001 and 20025, stood by the club and the accident victims, whishing their former defender and the other five a quick recovery.

“Praying for good news, and sending our best wishes to Abdes Ouaddou and his colleagues at this time,” Fulham posted on social media.

Pirates are yet to provide a fresh update regarding the progress of the six but defender Thapelo Xoki was among those injured and needed scans to discover the extent of the accident while another staff member is reported to have fractured his leg.