Pirates coach Ouaddou and five other members suffer ‘serious injuries’ after an accident

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is among the six members of the team involved in the accident that happened last weekend, according to the club's media team.

The Soweto giants were at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Sunday, where they played Chippa United in the Premier Soccer League and claimed a 3-0 win. It was the club's third straight win in the South African top tier after a poor start that saw them suffer two defeats in a row. 

“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,” Bucs confirmed to the public.

“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.”

Ouaddou and other team members in hospital

“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,” Bucs continued.

“At this stage, our priority is the health and wellbeing 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,” they concluded.

Currently, the domestic football is on a break to pave the way for the international break; Bafana Bafana are set to play Lesotho and Nigeria respectively in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.