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A road accident has overshadowed Orlando Pirates’ MTN8 final preparations, leaving head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and five technical staff members in hospital
The crash occurred on Sunday evening along the R21, shortly after the Buccaneers’ 3–0 Premiership victory over Chippa United in Gqeberha. According to reports, the team bus had stopped at the scene of an earlier collision when Ouaddou and several staff members stepped out to assist. Tragically, another vehicle ploughed into them, leaving six injured.
Among the injured was goalkeeping coach Tyrone Damons, who sustained a broken leg and has since undergone surgery, while defender Thapelo Xoki was also affected. The club assured supporters that all those involved are under medical care and that their recovery is the immediate priority.
The accident comes less than two weeks before the MTN8 final, scheduled for 13 September at Mbombela Stadium. With Ouaddou and senior staff in recovery, concerns have arisen over who will guide the team from the touchline.
In a statement, Pirates assured supporters that “the health and well-being of those injured comes first” and pledged to provide regular updates. Across South Africa, fans and rival clubs have shared messages of support, wishing the injured a full and speedy recovery.
