In addition to the deaths, more than 150 people were injured when 80 000 fans tried to force their way into a 60 000-seater venue.
Twenty-nine people died inside the stadium and a further fourteen died outside.
Apparently untrained security guards firing tear gas at the stampeding fans exacerbated the situation, and may have been the cause of some of the deaths.
Putco Mafani, who was then Chiefs spokesperson remembers vividly the unfortunate incident.
“I still remember it as if it only happened yesterday,” says ‘Mphuthumi’, as Putco is known within the soccer fraternity.
“We had to calm fans and tell them what happened and at the same time, control the players who wanted to help to go back to their dressing rooms. Remember, the same players had families who were at the stadium hence they wanted to help. I’m still in shock till this day.”
“These incident will forever be etched in my mind for as long as I live,” says Umhlobo Wenene FM morning breakfast show host.
This week PSL confirmed that all games (including Second Division) will be dedicated to all fallen fans on that fateful day.
From SLM, we say you are not forgotten. Rest in Peace!
