A book that chronicles Kaizer Chiefs’ twenty one years of existence written by legendary Sekola Sello was dedicated to the memory of all those that died tragically at the Orkney Stadium. In its foreword, Executive Chairman Kaizer Motaung stated; “our club has had a great share of tragedies, (in reference to the loss of Ewert Nene and Ariel Pro Khongwane) but it is the Orkney Tragedy that pains us most,” he concluded.

Ten years later, in April of 2001, the club was struck by another fateful evening that was later called; the Ellis Park Tragedy. This time around the number of fatalities recorded forty-three merry people that had joined to experience the influence of the derby, its character and its intended excitement.

This day, the 11th of April 2011 is exactly ten years after the Ellis Park tragedy, and surely one that I remember with a heavy heart. It has to be heavy because it involves the two institutions that are close to my heart; Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. The former carries memories of my early playing times whilst the latter is currently my fortress, my home and one that had tremendously influenced my personal and family life. It is that life that I had shared with millions of people whose love for Kaizer Chiefs has anchored its success right up to its latter forty one years in record existence.

In the process, all assignments I have shared with Orlando Pirates have struck home the core of my involvement and love of soccer than any other. Like others it is the actual on-the-field clash that takes centre stage; an identity we have carved into being the local mother of clashes or the derby to be precise.

Since its first day the derby has carried a unique aura that may not be trivialized nor undermined as is the case with some Johnny-come-lately analysts that often disregard its influence in our fraternity. Record breaking attendance figures, the inclination to attract foreign media and visitors, the persistent requests to have it hosted in local provinces and sometimes foreign neighbouring countries surely point to its weightier value in football significance.

Entrepreneurs, sponsors and financiers often jostle for a marketing opportunity. Every player that has featured, scored or conceded a goal will take the memory of the day as one worth recording in their professional careers. Supporters that remained glued to their seats regardless of the hosting podiums will often reminisce on the experience of a clash between two iconic giants of South African football.

In the evening of April 2001 laden with anticipation and hope for excitement and fun, we unfortunately watched in horror when Ellis Park turned into a death-knell; something that was never planned nor even thought of. From the multitude that had honoured a chance to be a part of this history, forty-three lives lay cold and prostrate on the turf that had begun to electrify the football mood a few minutes after kickoff.

It is that tragic drama that has added another chapter in the history and in context that I truly would want to spend this day in a solemn mood to dedicate my love and appreciation to all those that have been a part of the forty one years of the birth of the derby.

The forty-three that never returned home remain close to our hearts and for that we are still dependent on the healing powers of Father-time to help us close this chapter; something that is undoubtedly difficult sometimes.

May I therefore on behalf of Kaizer Chiefs, its management, staff and supporters express our continued love and support to all families that experienced both Orkney and Ellis Park. May I charge that we collectively hold our hands and draw closer to GOD through prayer to elicit HIS power of healing our grieving hearts.

May we find strength in looking into the excitement that the derby still generates to date and perhaps cling onto it as a way of obliterating our pain as we engage this day and many others that will host the epic clash between the two teams. I believe in time, we can find closure and proceed with our everyday lives as designed to fulfill our purpose on earth instead of remaining entrapped by the bitterness and pain of having lost our keen folks in the derby.

The truth is, death has been a part of our history and so has moments of extreme excitement. Admittedly one would wish that the former may not be the case, but the mere mention of these two massive soccer entities evokes such at any given times.