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Cape Town - Former Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brian Baloyi says the Ellis Park Stadium Disaster will forever be engraved in their hearts.
On April 11 2001, 43 football fans lost their lives during the Soweto Derby match between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, when 80 000 supporters tried to cram into a 60 000 capacity stadium.
The 42-year-old was in goal for Chiefs that fateful day, and recounts his memory of events to his former club's official website.
"I saw commotion behind my poles. I struggled to concentrate on the game, as I realised something was not right behind me," he said.
"Then, the referee brought the game to a halt. He explained to us that there was still a large crowd outside the stadium and they were rushing people through the gates.
"A few minutes later, we saw people running all over. People were being let on the pitch for safety reasons, because of the stampede on the stands, while others were helplessly carried to the pitch. That's when we knew things were bad and the match was stopped.
"It's something that we will never forget. What happened that evening will forever stay with us. We will continue to keep the bereaved and the injured in our prayers.
"To date, when any form of agitation erupts at the stadium, we experience flashbacks. The people who died paid with their dear lives for the love of the game.
"We hope that we will not see something like that happening again. The stadium must be a place where people can enjoy a game in safe conditions."
