This evening before we collapse into our sleep, our thoughts are with the families, relatives and friends of the lives that were lost at Ellis Park Stadium when Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates locked horns in one of their epic league battles before a capacity crowd. The tragedy clearly taught us how fragile and vulnerable we remain to the powers of unexpected phenomena that strike at our very hearts when our beloved ones are suddenly removed from our faces; ironically at an event that meant to entertain.

For a moment and for years that followed, we were paralysed by the very thought of returning to Ellis Park Stadium to prevent the psychological re-enactment of the episode until we gathered strength during the 2008/9 season to attempt scripting a closing chapter to the tragedy.

Today I am happy that the derby was staged and followed by countless matches that have cleansed us of the dark cloud of death that had shrouded our sport. In addition, I am happy that the now-called Coca Cola Stadium will host many of the FIFA 2010 World Cup matches in an act that qualifies John Donne's poetic judgement that read; “Death do not be Proud”. I believe we have reinvented ourselves to see beyond the realms of death to continue with a sport that has obviously brought many historic moments of excitement.

May I ask that we continue to strengthen the hearts and souls of those that suffered the full impact of the disaster and encourage them with prayer to find closure to the pain. I believe that both teams are still committed to honour the declaration that stated “we play every derby game to the memory of those that donned our colours in support of our teams”.

We are thus forever thankful for your love and support and hope that we shall commit to bringing happiness to your faces during the many battles we shall fight on the pitch.

May the families be blessed and rest assured that Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are enigmas that continue to shape the cause of football in this country. Your unwavering support is therefore much appreciated and may only strengthen our resolve to prevail over any form of adversity.

Kaizer Motaung (Mr.)


Executive Chairman