The football fraternity will forever remember the fateful night when the Ellis Park Disaster happened as the darkest night in South African football. 43 people died on the evening of Wednesday 11 April, 2001, during the match between Kaizer Chiefs vs Orlando Pirates.

Kaizer Chiefs Chairman Mr Kaizer Motaung lamented the fateful night,

"The memories of that night will never be erased in our minds and our deepest heartfelt condolences will forever go to the bereaved families of the disaster.

The Ellis Park Disaster will remain a terrible moment in our football history. The people who passed on that night will forever be remembered. They paid the ultimate price for the sake of the game. We remain conscious of this day as a harsh reminder to the football fraternity to continuously work hard to improve security at our games.

On behalf of the Kaizer Chiefs family, I would like to pay tribute to those who lost their lives and those that were affected by the loss by a verse from the Corinthians 1:3 which says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God," said Mr Motaung.

May the spirits of the people who died in the Ellis Park Disaster live long and their souls continue to rest in peace!