Jabu Mahlangu remembers Ellis Park tragedy 25 years on

The tragedy unfolded on April 11, 2001, when 43 supporters lost their lives in a stampede at Ellis Park Stadium during a heated Soweto Derby clash between Amakhosi and Orlando Pirates. The disaster remains the worst stadium tragedy in South African sport.

Mahlangu, then a 21-year-old rising talent who had just broken into the Chiefs senior team, vividly remembers the day - an occasion that was meant to be a milestone in his young career but instead turned into a moment of profound sorrow.

"I was a young player promoted from the development team. As you know, the Derby is one of the biggest games on the continent and it was an honour for me, as a 21-year-old, to participate in it," Mahlangu reflected as quoted on the Chiefs website.

However, the excitement surrounding the fixture quickly gave way to chaos. With the stadium already filled beyond capacity, more supporters attempted to gain entry after kick-off. The situation escalated further following Pirates' equaliser, as surging crowds led to pushing and crushing in the stands.

The consequences were tragic.

"I was shocked by what happened, that 43 people came to watch Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates and lost their lives," Mahlangu said.

Now, a quarter of a century later, the former winger still carries the emotional weight of that day. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, acknowledging the deep personal connection between players and supporters.

"I know that some of those people who perished came to watch me and, from the bottom of my heart, I extend my deepest condolences to all the families of the departed.

"I still think of you, and always will. May your loved ones rest in peace."

The Ellis Park tragedy remains a painful reminder of the importance of stadium safety and crowd control, and continues to shape how major football events are managed across the country.