Orlando Pirates coach makes first public appearance since horror accident

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou looks to have sustained an injury on his hand following a horror accident close to two weeks ago.

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 their way to Johannesburg following the Buccaneers’ 3-0 win over Chippa United.

Pirates confirmed that the victims had been taken to hospital with media reports saying defender Thapelo Xoki was among those injured and needed scans to discover the extent of his injury while another staff member was reported to have fractured his leg.

The club is yet to give further updates over the accident but the state of Ouaddou’s health was revealed somewhat on Tuesday when he made a first public appearance since the fateful day.

What was the extent of Ouaddou’s injury?

Ouaddou led Pirates in training as they prepare for the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch this weekend and he showed up wearing an arm sling with his arm heavily bandaged although it is not yet known if he sustained a fracture.

The Moroccan tactician seemed unbothered as he took his players through their paces ahead of the crucial match set to be played at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday evening.

Ouaddou will face questions over the accident during his pre-match address later in the week where the extent of his injury and the other five will likely be known.

The Pirates coach will hope that it is not a distraction as he eyes his first trophy in charge of the Soweto giants with the Buccaneers also looking to make it an unprecedented four MTN8 wins in a row.