Victims of Ellis Park Stadium disaster remembered 21 years later

Victims of Ellis Park Stadium disaster remembered 21 years later

The tragedy occurred as Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates clashed in front of what was meant to be a 60,000-capacity crowd.

The bodies of soccer supporters lie on the pitch at Ellis Park Stadium in the worst stadium soccer disaster in South African history on 11 April 2001. Picture: PSL.

DURBAN – Monday marks exactly 21 years since the darkest day in South African football after 43 fans lost their lives in the Ellis Park disaster.

The tragedy occurred as Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates clashed 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 ground.

There’s been little official reflection from both Chiefs and Pirates on Monday as local football fans mark one of the most tragic days in the country’s sports history.

Chiefs tweeted, saying that day remains in their hearts as they extended their deepest sympathies to the 43 bereaved families while Pirates said those who lost their lives shall never be forgotten.

Chiefs Remember Ellis Park 43

It is truly a day that remains in our hearts.

The Kaizer Chiefs Family extends its deepest sympathies to the bereaved families and wishes that the departed continue to rest in eternal peace.

Gone But Not Forgotten.#Amakhosi4Life #EllisPark43 pic.twitter.com/1IOR2skOhW

Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) April 11, 2022