Orlando Pirates may have lifted the MTN8 trophy in Mbombela, but the celebrations carried a deeper meaning.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou made sure the spotlight also shone on those who couldn’t be on the pitch after surviving a car accident two weeks ago.
Among them was one of Orlando Pirates’ captains Tapelo Xoki, goalkeeper coach Tyrone Damons, and team manager Kabunda.
MTN8 DEDICATION
Ouaddou revealed that Damons is still recovering at home, while Xoki and Kabunda continue to bounce back from the frightening ordeal.
His emotional tribute put into perspective how much this triumph meant to everyone connected to the Soweto giants.
“I’m very happy for the club, for the fans and players as well and thank my, staff, South African staff for this title and I would like to dedicate this victory to the coach of the goalkeeper Tyrone who has been in accident and is watching us at home,” Orlando Pirates coach Ouaddou told SuperSport TV.
“Thapelo as well my player, and I don’t forget Kabunda the team manager we’ve been in the accident two weeks ago so I thank God for this title. So, maybe we could not if God was not there we could’ve passed away because it was very dangerous.
“So, I’m very today to just celebrate with the fans and my players and all the lovers of football in South Africa,” the French-Moroccan coach added.
DO YOU HAVE ANY MESSAGE TO THE RECOVERING ORLANDO PIRATES TEAM MEMBERS?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
