Since 2001, 11 April has never been the same for faithful football supporters after the worst sporting accident took place at Ellis Park.
It was on this fateful day 17 years ago that followers and lovers of the beautiful gathered at Ellis Park Stadium for what was the biggest football match on the South African calendar, the Soweto Derby between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
The stadium capacity was 60 000, and there were more than 80 000 supporters trying to make their way inside the stadium. The situation got out of control and resulted in a stampede that claimed 43 lives, while 158 were badly injured.
These are things we, supporters of the most loved sport in the world, wish to never experience, but due to unforeseen circumstances, they happen. It's painful and heart-wrenching that the very same passion our fallen fellow supporters shared with us is what claimed their lives that unforgettable Wednesday.
Supporters Club would like to convey its heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and supporters that were affected by this brutal incident. Your loss is our loss, and we will never forget the 43 who never made it home.
May their souls continue to rest in peace.
