A former Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates star is overcome with emotions reflecting on the sad occasion of the loss of 43 lives at Ellis Park Stadium on this day 24 years ago.
Chiefs were up against heir arch-nemesis Pirates on a midweek evening when 43 supporters lost their lives as pandemonium broke out at the turnstiles with scores of fans still attempting to gain entry.
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Sitting on the bench for the Glamour Boys, Phumlani Mkhize saw everything with his naked eye.
"I was already at Chiefs when it happened. That night was painful," said 'BMX', still visibly traumatised by the lingering memory of the tragic day.
"Everything started after we took the lead. People started pushing their way in, in doing so stepping on others," he recalled.
"It was so emotional. What makes the whole thing so painful is that there were babies and children among the supporters. I wish they could have delayed the kick-off, at least.
"The thing is every football fan wants to experience the derby, even those who are not following the two giants.
"People are always arriving late.
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"This thing shook even us, the players. The dressing room (mood) was sombre. Losing so many lives in a football match has left a bad memory for us as a country.
"People lost their mothers, wives, brothers, sisters, grandparents, and even children who still had a future in life," says Mkhize.
A commission of inquiry was launched following the Ellis Park disaster, after which several key recommendations were made, including that the Soweto Derby never be played midweek again, and that it should always be fixtured at FNB Stadium.
KickOff.com continues to mourn the 43 lives lost on the day. May their precious souls rest in peace.
