Former Fulham defender Abdeslam Oudou was hospitalized after being attacked by a truck while trying to save another crash victim. The 46-year-old Moroccan has played four seasons in the Premier League and is currently undergoing treatment after a serious road accident near Gauten, South Africa.
He was trying to help a victim of a car accident on the R21 Highway when he was hit by a pickup truck. Ouaddou is the current head coach of the South African Giants Orlando Pirates and he returned from the match when he and five members of his staff were involved in the incident. All six were taken to the hospital.
A statement from the club stated, “The Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm that head coach Abdeslam Oudou and five members of the club’s staff were involved in the road traffic incident on Sunday night.
“The incident occurred on the R21 Highway as the team returned from Gqeberha, after a fierce 3-0 victory with Chippa United. Coach Ouaddou and several staff members took it out of the team bus to assist the officials when they encountered a collision between the two vehicles.
“Tragically, while attending the scene, a Nissan NP200 vehicle collided with a stationary vehicle, hitting the group and suffering serious injuries.
“Along with the five affected staff, Coach Oaddou was immediately taken to the hospital where he is currently receiving medical care. The club is in close contact with the medical team and will eventually provide updates on recovery.
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“At this stage, our priorities are the health and well-being of our colleagues. The club has arranged for the affected individuals and their families to receive all the support they need during this difficult time.
“We ask stakeholders for privacy and respect as we focus on recovery. Further updates will be communicated when necessary.”
Ouaddou, who played for Fulham 38 times in four years after moving from Nancy for £2 million in 2001, took over with the Orlando Pirates in June. He was also capped 92 times before resigning in 2013, winning Captain Morocco.
ESPN claims that club defender Tapero Xoki was one of the injured and was taken to hospital after the Orlando Pirates defeated Chippa United 3-0.
The 30-year-old needs a knee scan, but he thinks his injury isn’t that serious.
The Orlando Pirates’ next match will be the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch FC on September 13th, held at Mbombella Stadium in Mpumalanga.
