Former Fulham midfielder Abdeslam Ouaddou has been hospitalised after a serious road accident near Gauteng, South Africa.
Ouaddou, 46, is currently receiving treatment for his injuries after he was struck by a pick-up truck on Sunday evening while attempting to aid victims of a car crash on the R21 highway.
The retired footballer is currently the head coach of South African team Orlando Pirates and was travelling back from a match when he and five members of his backroom staff were involved in the incident. All six were rushed to hospital.
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.'
Defender Tapelo Xoki was also among those injured as a result of the accident, according to ESPN, and he will now need to have a knee scan to discover the extent of the damage.
Ouaddou was appointed Orlando Pirates head coach in June, following an outstanding tenure at Marumo Gallants - another South African club - and is enduring a reasonable first season with the club.
He is remembered in the Premier League for his four years at Fulham, where he signed in 2001 from Nancy for £2million.
The centre-back made just 38 appearances for the Cottagers, struggling to nail down a starting place at the club. He turned out 58 times for his country, Morocco.
