Yesterday marked exactly 22 years since a stampede claimed the lives of 43r fans during a soccer derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg.
More than 250 people were injured at the venue which hosted the league match between the two soccer giants, attracting more and more fans at a stadium that was already filled to capacity and couldn’t hold more people.
The tragedy occurred in front of what was meant to be a 60 000-capacity crowd, however reports suggest a further 30 000 more fans were trying to gain entry into the stadium.
What was even more disturbing was that several children, including 11-year-old Rosswinn Nation and 13-year-old Siphiwe Mpungose, were among those who lost their lives.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has released a statement that honours the memory of the lives lost and those affected by the tragedy.
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan said the loss of so many lives remains a painful experience and should never happen again.
“We convey our deepest condolences to the families,” the SAFA President said. “It is now 22 years later. The stadiums are not meant for people to die, it is an arena for celebration and joy, not for death.
“Their spirit remains with us and we remember them together with members of their families.”
Both Pirates and Chiefs paid tribute on their respective social media platforms as local football fans mark one of the most tragic days in the country’s sports history.
Chiefs tweeted: Moment of Silence, the players held a moment of silence this morning before training in remembrance of the 43 football loving supporters who lost their lives at Ellis Park Stadium on the 11th of April 2001. May their souls continue to rest in peace.
Pirates paid tribute with a video of the 43 supporters’ names.
