Ouaddou to lead Buccaneers despite injury

September 9, 2025 60

Orlando Pirates coach, Abdeselam Ouaddou, is set to lead his team in Saturday’s MTN8 final against Stellenbosch FC, just two weeks after being involved in a motor vehicle accident.

The Moroccan coach was seen wearing a sling and cast on his right arm during a training session at the Rand Stadium on Tuesday.

The accident occurred on August 31, a day after Pirates’ 3-0 league victory over Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Ouaddou and five other technical panel members were involved in a road accident on the R21 highway near the OR Tambo International Airport, while attempting to assist at the scene of another accident.

When asked how the incident has impacted the team, the former Fulham defender offered a measured response, remaining diplomatic about the effect on the squad’s preparations.

“The club has issued one statement about the accident, and I think this is not the right place to talk about that. I want to focus on the game” he said.

The coach was also happy to welcome talisman, Patrick Maswanganyi, back from injury after he had to pull out of the Bafana Bafana squad due to injury.

“I’m happy that he’s coming back. It seems like the injury is not so serious. Whenever my players are injured, I’m very sad. So I’m happy that he’s with us,” he added.