The memories of this day in 2001, when 43 fans lost their lives during a game between the Kaizer Chiefs and their rivals, the Orlando Pirates, at Ellis Park Stadium, still evoke strong feelings for former Amakhosi midfield maestro Thabo Mooki.
Today, April 11, is the 23rd anniversary of the Ellis Park disaster.
As fans pushed their way into the already crowded arena, a stampede broke out, resulting in the fatalities.
The day was filled with excitement
After both teams had scored early goals, there was a rush to get to the ground and see the game, and the match was abandoned as medical personnel, paramedics and policemen took over the situation in an effort to save more lives.
“The day began like every matchday. We were filled with excitement, and so were the fans, Mooki, who is also the coach of the Amakhosi Legends team, said on the club’s website.
“It was an important match. When the game started, we did not know what was going on. When the game stopped, we were told that there was a stampede.
“Only later did we get to know what had actually unfolded.”
Every year on this date, Mooki, also lovingly called Tsiki Tsiki, explained that he offers his condolences to the families who have lost loved ones.
Families lost breadwinners
“I say, may the souls of all those who passed that evening rest in peace,” he said.
“Among them were breadwinners for their families, important community leaders, children, fathers and mothers.
“For those families who lost these members, to this day, I sympathise with them and feel for what they went through.
“These people who passed all meant something to their families and to us.
“It is fitting that we think about them and what happened to them and ensure that fans enjoy the spectacle that is football safely,” added the retired dribbling wizard, who won numerous trophies with Amakhosi in his heyday.
