Ex-Premier League star rushed to hospital after being hit by a pickup truck while trying to help victims of highway car crash

Ouaddou was hit by a pick-up truck on Sunday as he tried to help victims of a car crash. The Orlando Pirates coach, who spent four years in the Premier League with Fulham as a player, was on his way back from a 3-0 win over Chippa United with five members of his staff when the accident happened.

A statement from the club read: "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.

"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.

"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.

"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."

Orlando Pirates defender Tapelo Xoki is also among the injured, as reported by ESPN. Xoki has sustained a knee injury and will undergo a scan but the early indications are that the problem is "not as severe as it could have been".

Ouaddo signed for Fulham from French side Nancy in 2001 and spent four years with the Cottagers before heading back to France at Rennes. The defender, who could also play in midfield, also enjoyed spells with Olympiacos, Valenciennes, Al-Dulhail and Qatar as well as winning over 50 caps with Morocco. He turned to management after hanging up his boots and took charge of the Orlando Pirates back in June.

Ouaddou has guided Orlando Pirates to three wins from their last three league games after starting the season with two defeats. The club are currently scheduled to return to action in the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch FC on September 13.