Chiefs and Pirates lament stadium deaths

Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have offered their condolences to the families of those affected by the tragic events that occurred at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Two supporters lost their lives following a stampede near Gate J and a number of other spectators were injured during the rush to enter the stadium.

Chiefs posted the following on their official Twitter account: "Our deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the 2 supporters who lost their lives at the stadium today.

"We are deeply affected by this incident and we would also like to wish all those injured in the stampede a speedy recovery.

"The Police and Stadium Management South Africa are working together to investigate the incident

"We will endeavour to keep the public informed as we receive progress on this matter."

Pirates posted the following on their website: "Orlando Pirates Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life and injury that occurred at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

"We wish to express our profound condolences to the families who have lost loved ones. We supplicate that God gives you fortitude at this moment of extreme grief and pain.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the supporter who remains in hospital in a critical condition and also wish all others who were injured a speedy recovery."

In the match, that was allowed to continue, Bernard Parker scored the only goal of the game to hand Chiefs a narrow 1-0 victory, to successfully defend the pre-season title they have now won for the third time.

Michael Sun, MMC for public safety for the City of Johannesburg added through a statement from Carling Black Label: "As sponsors of the Carling Black Label Champion Cup, we are saddened by the fatalities that occurred late this afternoon due to a number of people who attempted to push through the stadium gates."

And SAFA president Danny Jordaan has promised a full investigation into exactly what transpired at the FNB Stadium.

He said in a statement from SAFA on Saturday: "We offer our sincere condolences to the family members of those who lost their lives.

“We are going to ask for a full report and institute a full investigation on what transpired and the cause for the stampede.

“I would also like to wish the injured speedy recovery. A football match is supposed to be a place of entertainment. What happened to at FNB Stadium is very unfortunate."

Our deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of the 2 supporters who lost their lives at the stadium today

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) July 29, 2017