Ex-Premier League Defender Hospitalized After Serious Road Incident While Assisting Crash Victims

Former Fulham midfielder Abdeslam Ouaddou has been hospitalized following a severe road accident near Gauteng, South Africa. The 46-year-old was struck by a pick-up truck while attempting to help victims of a car crash on the R21 highway on Sunday evening.

Ouaddou, who currently serves as head coach of South Africa’s Orlando Pirates, was returning from a match when the incident occurred. He was traveling with five members of his coaching staff, all of whom were also injured and taken to hospital for treatment. The team had just celebrated a 3-0 victory against Chippa United in Gqeberha.

According to a club statement, Ouaddou and the staff members disembarked from their bus to assist after witnessing a collision between two vehicles. Tragically, a Nissan NP200 hit the stationary vehicles and struck the group, resulting in serious injuries.

Ouaddou was hit by a pick-up truck while attending to the scene of the accident.

He is seen here during his playing days with Fulham, where he made 38 appearances.

The coach and the others involved were immediately transported to a hospital, where they are receiving care. The club has expressed concern for their wellbeing and is providing support during this difficult time. One of the injured, defender Tapelo Xoki, will undergo a knee scan to assess the extent of his injuries.

Ouaddou, who became Orlando Pirates’ head coach in June after a notable stint at Marumo Gallants, previously played in the Premier League for Fulham, signing from Nancy in 2001. His playing career includes 58 appearances for Morocco national team. The club and fans are now waiting for updates on his recovery and that of the other injured staff members.