A former Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach and ex-Orlando Pirates shot-stopper narrowly avoided tragedy when they were involved in a car crash on Sunday.
Ghana national team coach Otto Addo, his assistant coach John Paintsil, who formerly worked at Chiefs, and goalkeeper coach Fatawu Dauda – a former Buccaneers star – were involved in a road accident after attending a game between FC Samartex and Nsoatreman FC in Tarkwa in the south of Ghana.
Read: Portugal Coach Makes Decision On Ronaldo!
The trio were traveling in a Toyota Land Cruiser when they narrowly avoided a head-on collision with a truck that had veered into its lane, causing serious damage to the side of the vehicle carrying the three men, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) confirmed.
"We are happy to report that all three members of the technical team are in stable condition and will undergo further medical assessments, as a precautionary measure, upon their return to Accra," a statement on the GFA's official website reads.
"We are confident that the technical team will be in good shape and ready to lead the Black Stars in the upcoming AFCON qualifiers against Angola and Niger.
"We appreciate the concern shown by the public and ask for your continued support and prayers as we prepare for these important matches."
??Black Stars technical team(Otto Addo, John Paintsil and Fatawu Dauda)escaped death on the Tarkwa-Takoradi road when returning from Tarkwa after watching the Champion of Champions clash between Nsoatreman and Samartex.
— Obed Asafo (@AsafoObed) September 1, 2024
We thank God for their lives??
pic.twitter.com/FpQHkAV6Dl
The incident occurred less than a week before Ghana play Angola and Niger in 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
GFA communications director Henry Asante Twum confirmed that Addo and his coaching team will be prepared for the upcoming games, despite their car crash escape.
"All of them have assured us that despite this misfortune, they will be very much ready and prepared to lead the team to success on Thursday," Twum told Citi Sports.
"It's very unfortunate, but we are in a critical moment. We want to start the qualifiers on a good slate, leaving no stone on them.
Read: Revealed: Why Osimhen's Chelsea Move 'Collapsed'
"We are working on them psychologically and physically to prepare them for the tough game."