Kaizer Chiefs Family in its entirety would like to pay tribute to the 43 people who passed on in what today is described as the worst tragedy in the sporting history of South Africa, The Ellis Park Disaster that happened on the fateful night, 11 April 2001 during the Soweto Derby involving Kaizer Chiefs and rivals, Orlando Pirates.

The night game had to be called off as the stadium was already full to capacity with thousands of soccer loving fans forcing their entry and some spilling to the press box. This led to 43 people dying as they were trampled in the stampede. Their bodies were laid on the pitch as the referee ordered the teams to return to the dressing rooms.

Executive Chairman Kaizer Motaung who remembers that night as if it was yesterday paid tribute to the families who lost their loved ones; “I would like on behalf of Kaizer Chiefs Board of Directors, Management, Technical Staff and Players, Staff at Naturena and the Club’s Family in its totality extend our thoughts and condolences to everyone who is affected by the Ellis Park Disaster.

“A lot has been done from a security point of view to ensure that in our life time and beyond a tragedy of that nature never happens again. This is an emotional day in the lives of Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, the soccer loving fraternity, South Africans, the world and we keep our promise to play every game for you,” added Motaung.