This year, 11 April marks the 25^th anniversary of arguably the darkest day in the history of South African football when 43 supporters died at Ellis Park during a Soweto Derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in 2001.

As eager fans poured into the stadium unchecked, overcrowding ensued and 43 people died in the resulting stampede.

Jabu Mahlangu (Pule) had just embarked on his Chiefs career when the terrible incident occurred, yet the memory of what unfolded has stayed with him ever since.

“I was a young player promoted from the development team. As you know, the Derby is one of the biggest games on the continent and it was an honour for me, as a 21-year-old, to participate in it. Unfortunately, there were still people trying to get into the stadium after the game started and it got worse after Pirates equalised, as people were pushing and shoving in the stands,” he remembers, “I was shocked by what happened, that 43 people came to watch Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates and lost their lives. I know that some of those people who perished came to watch me and, from the bottom of my heart, I extend my deepest condolences to all the families of the departed. I still think of you, and always will. May your loved ones rest in peace.”

Another Chiefs player who will carry the heartache from what he saw throughout his life is Nhlanhla Kubeka, who recalls with notable melancholy, “Sjoe, that was a huge tragedy that took place that evening. Looking back, what I witnessed was beyond sad. Even after all these years, it is not something that can easily be described. It is not something you can leave behind and move on from, because what was meant to be a celebration of the beautiful game turned into something horrific. Supporters came with joy in their hearts and 43 of them didn’t make it back home. Still today, I feel pain in my soul when I think of that evening.”

He continues, “We are continuously reminded that the Khosi Nation is the heartbeat of this wonderful Club. Without supporters there is no football. Today we don’t just remember them; we honour them. We will continue to respect their memory and will never forget our brothers and sisters who passed on that evening. May their souls rest in eternal peace and may football never experience such pain and suffering again.”

The whole footballing community, Khosi Nation; management, technical staff, players, general staff and supporters will forever cherish the memories of each one of those who left us that evening and wish peace and strength to their surviving family and friends.