Ellis Park Victims not remembered

Not enough was being done to remember the victims of the Ellis Park Stadium stampede, their families complained at the fifth commemoration of the tragedy on Tuesday.

Some families had not even been invited to attend the prayer service, said their spokesman Veli Mpungose.

They had travelled from as far afield as Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape just to be there.

"When we see in the media reports of the anniversary we relive the pain. Now imagine if you didn't know that there was an anniversary. The experience is even more traumatic," Mpungose said.

Imploring the Premier Soccer League (PSL) to do more than just promise to help the victims, he said he would like a game to be organised to remember the victims.

"I want the PSL to remember that we supporters are bigger even than those who own the teams, because without supports in the stadium no-one would enjoy the games."

Mpungose's son Siphiwe was among the 43 people killed on April 11 2001 in a stamped to get into the stadium at the start of a derby between Chiefs and Pirates.

His daughter was among the 85 people injured, he said.

"I remember my son's last words when he said: 'Dad I want to sit with the Chiefs' fans because I want to see Brian Baloyi, my favourite goalkeeper.' I didn't know that those (would be) his last words to me."

Chiefs and Pirates described those killed as true soccer supporters, whose love of the game would always be remembered.

Sadness was etched on the faces of hundreds of people gathered at the stadium for the memorial as the names of the dead were read out by Mphuthumi "Putco" Mafani, former Kaizer Chiefs public relations officer.

Bosses, players and supporters of the soccer teams listened as the strains of a Soweto Gospel Choir rendition of the hymn Amazing Grace filled the stadium.

No-one wanted to remember the day, because no-one had anticipated the tragedy it would hold, said Kaizer Chiefs spokesman Kaizer Motaung.

"This gathering is a gesture to show the families that they are not alone. Their loss is our loss."

Said Khoza: "I know the pain of death in a family because my daughter Zodwa died only a few months ago, but I know it will pass."

His thoughts were with the victims' families. Nothing could be said or done to remove their pain. Only God would wipe it away, he told them.

Khoza's 30-year-old daughter, who was the football club's brand manager, died in February of Aids-related complications on her return from the African Cup of Nations in Egypt. She had been married to former Bafana Bafana vice-captain Sizwe Motaung.

The families of those killed in the stampede were expected to lead the teams and supporters later in the laying of wreaths on the field.