Abdeslam Ouaddou, the former Fulham defender and current head coach of South African giants Orlando Pirates, is recovering in hospital after surviving a serious road accident while trying to help others.
The 46-year-old Moroccan, who won 58 caps for his country and played across Europe, was struck by a pickup truck on Sunday night after stopping to assist victims of an earlier collision on the R21 highway.
Ouaddou had been travelling back with his team from Gqeberha, where Pirates had beaten Chippa United 3-0 in the Premier Soccer League.
According to a statement released by the club, Ouaddou and several staff members disembarked from the team bus when they came across two vehicles that had collided.
Abdeslam Ouaddou is recovering after the former Fulham star was hit by a truck
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In the process of helping, a Nissan NP200 crashed into the stationary cars, hitting 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 confirmed.
“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.
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"We ask for privacy and respect for those involved as they focus on recovery.”
The news has sent shockwaves through South African football, with local media describing Ouaddou’s actions as “heroic” given that he had been risking his own safety to assist others.
Fans of Pirates, one of Africa’s most storied clubs, have flooded social media with messages of support for their coach and his staff, urging a swift recovery.
Ouaddou’s career has always been marked by resilience.
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Abdeslam Ouaddou made 28 appearances for Fulham earlier in his career
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He began at Nancy before joining Fulham in 2001 for £2 million.
Although he struggled to fully settle in London, making 28 appearances, he earned the respect of team-mates for his professionalism.
A loan spell and then permanent move to Rennes followed, before further stints with Valenciennes, Olympiakos and Qatari side Lekhwiya.
On the international stage, Ouaddou became a cornerstone of the Moroccan national team, representing the Atlas Lions at the Africa Cup of Nations and scoring three times in his 58 caps.
Since moving into management, he has been determined to bring his European experience into African football.
His appointment at Orlando Pirates earlier this year was seen as a bold move by the club, eager to restore itself as a dominant force domestically and in continental competitions.
This accident has temporarily halted that mission, but those close to him say his determined personality makes him well-suited to the difficult recovery ahead.
As Pirates continue their league campaign, the club has confirmed that assistant coaches will take charge while Ouaddou and his colleagues undergo treatment.
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Abdeslam Ouaddou is currently the head coach of Orlando Pirates
|Pirates face Stellenbosch in the MTN8 final on Saturday (5pm).
They have won three of their five league fixtures so far this term.