Kaizer Chiefs legend Thabo 'Tsiki Tsiki' Muki has reflected on the Ellis Park Stadium tragedy where 43 supporters died during the Amakhos-Orlando Pirates match.
The Ellis Park disaster occurred 23 years ago on April 11, 2001. The Soweto derby between the two teams took place on a midweek evening and ended with 43 people losing their lives.
Muki, who played in that match, reflected on what happened on that fateful night.
“The day started like any other match day. We and the fans were full of excitement. It was an important match.”
“When the game started, I had no idea what was going on. When the game stopped, I was told there was a stampede. It wasn't until later that I found out what actually happened.”
The former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder said dealing with the aftermath of the Ellis Park disaster was stressful.
“We have a captain's committee of senior players who make sure our players get the help they need emotionally and psychologically to keep playing and give the fans memorable performances. As a player at that stage of my career, I had never experienced people passing during a game, so it was traumatic for us,” he explains.
Kaizer Chiefs legend Mooki pays tribute to Ellis Park victims
“I say, may the souls of all those who died that night rest in peace, including the breadwinners of their families, important leaders in their communities, their children, their fathers and mothers. To the families who lost these members, to this day I feel for them and sympathize with what they went through.”
The Amakhosi legend begins around April 11, 2001, when 43 people died
Mooki is also marking the anniversary by taking a moment to reflect on what happened on that fateful night in April 2001.
“As I said, the people who died meant something to their families and to us. “It's only appropriate to make it enjoyable,” he says.
The match was called off that night and was replayed almost two months later, with Muki scoring and winning 1-0.
The Kaizer Chiefs legend dedicated the game's winning goal and performance to the memory of the fans who died at Ellis Park that night.
Click here to read more articles by Elliott Mahlase