The Soweto Derby has been considered one of the most hostile derbies in the world. It rates in the top-10 and I am pleased to say that over the years, I have witnessed a few.
The stadium is always packed; usually past capacity as crowd-control in Africa is non-existent. 87,000 overzealous vuvuzela-piping supporters…the noise is incredible. It’s one of those games where you have to be there to understand the magnitude of the occasion.
I have seen seat throwing, seats burning, pitch invasion, players attacked, fans killed, and per friends of mine who have played and coached in it, they are scared as hell to be on the pitch; but at the same time, excited to compete. In sport, this is what we as players live for.
Unfortunately, with games like these, there are always deaths. In the latest derby, two people were crushed and 17-injured in Africa’s biggest stadium. This is always sad to see. May you rest in peace. My condolences to your families.
South African Football Association, do something about this! It happens time-and-time again and it needs to stop. Instead of sitting on your asses in your fancy suits doing nothing, fix it so there are no more deaths. Please!!
I found this info to further back my above statements where infamous tragic incidents are the norm in Africa. How many people need to die before changes to stadiums and policing are made?
This story is from the Wednesday, October 4, 2017 newsletter.
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