Today, 11 April 2016 marks 15 years since the Ellis Park disaster happened in which 43 football supporters lost their lives during a football match they had come to enjoy.

Today, 11 April 2016 marks 15 years since the Ellis Park disaster happened in which 43 football supporters lost their lives during a football match they had come to enjoy.

On 11 April 2001 during a league encounter between rivals Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at the Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg, 43 fans lost their lives in a stampede that will haunt us for the rest of our lives.

These were football lovers who had come to enjoy an evening of rivalry football and were unaware of the tragedy that was to unfold.

As the custodians of football, SAFA together with the Premier Soccer League and the entire football family, we need to remember this day and promise that together with other various stakeholders we intend to observe this day in a more historical way.

That way we will be giving a proper commemoration to our departed heroes.

The people who lost their lives on that day:

Deborah Selina Maphanga, 25, Duduza

Thandi Merrium Thabethe, 23, Standerton

Abel Tshabangu, 35, Diepkloof, Soweto

Elias Ngomane, 21, Johannesburg

Nkosana Elliot Hlongwane, 40, Katlehong

Nhlanhla Meshack Zulu, 30, Duduza

Raymond Mfana Gwala, 47, Zamdela

Johannes Motlasi Letsoara, 35, Potchefstroom

Sphiwa Esrome Mpungose, 13, Burgersdale, West Rand

Ivan Jeffrey Bezuidenhout, 39, Potchefstroom

Mbulelo Diniso, 25, Orlando East

Madikana Samuel Selepe, 39, Diepsloot

Johannes Mandla Mthembu, 36, Palm Springs, Vaal

Veleta Eunice Mouton, 26, Windmill Park, East Rand

Rosswin Andre Nation, 11, Ennerdale Pretty

Lephina Phatsisi, 26, Balfour

Jabu Maliyon Mkhize, 33, Delmas

Alpheus Sethlake, 41, Alexandra

Gideon Mudau, 34, Kromdraai, Midrand

Jabulisile Xaba, 25, Berea, Johannesburg

Danny Tigerls, 30, Polokwane

Angelina Mncube, 28, Joubert Park, Johannesburg

Callistus Dumisani Dube, 29, Balfour Park, Johannesburg

Mduduzi Thomo, 27, Jabulani, Soweto

Tsietsi Daniel Wae, 54, Kagiso

Michael Tsolo Nyakane, 41, Orkney

Steven Modise Tshetlo, 42, Delpark, East Rand

Calvin Arnolds, 34, Ennerdale

Lefa James Lefera, Gauteng

Rakgabo Frans Shongoane, 34, Pretoria

Ernest Mandla Moyo, 33, Berea, Johannesburg

John Oupa Mbambata, 34, Delareyville

Senki Jacob Mzizi, 47, Tsakane

Stanley Tshikovhi, Tembisa

Selaala Pae Maloma, Schoononborg

Gugu Majozi, Jabulani, Soweto

Maggie Luthuli, Protea Glen, Soweto

Robert Molako, Atteridgeville

Kenneth Msimango, Thokoza

Frans More, Dobsonville

Jabulane Raymond Baloi, Tembisa

Bafana Isaac Mabuza, Tembisa

Mampo Rinah Ntsoane, Berea, Johannesburg