Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says he is grateful to have been on the bench to guide the team to their MTN8 triumph against Stellenbosch on Saturday.
The Buccaneers are in seventh heaven after beating Stellenbosch 3-0 at Mbombela Stadium for their fourth consecutive MTN8 title.
Ouaddou, 46, reflected after a brush with death recently.
“What I can tell you is that it was very dangerous, and I’m happy to speak to you, to be in front of you, and to be on the bench because life is very short,” said Ouaddou, who suffered a broken elbow.
The details of the accident on 31 August remain sketchy.
The incident occurred on the R21 highway as the team returned from Gqeberha, following their 3–0 victory over Chippa United. Upon encountering a collision between two vehicles, 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,” confirmed the club a couple of weeks ago.
Ouaddou added, “We thank God, and I would like to thank all the personnel of the hospital that did a very good job… to be able to be on the bench this weekend.”
As per reports, defender Tapelo Xoki and goalkeeper coach Tyrone Damons were amongst the injured.
