Africa’s Worst 5 Stadium Tragedies

Mark Babatunde August 09, 2017

5) Oppenheimer Stadium – Orkney‚ South Africa (Death Toll: 42)

Oppenheimer Stadium

Oppenheimer Stadium. Photo credit: Africa Review

For the second time on this list, a match between local rivals the Kaizer Chiefs and the Orlando Pirates led to a tragic and avoidable loss of lives.

On January 13, 1991, what was supposed to be a pre-season “friendly” match at the Oppenheimer Stadium, Orkney between two of the most popular club sides in South Africa occurred.

With more than 30,000 fans packed in to the 23,000 capacity stadium, violent protests about a doubtful goal upheld by the referee resulted in a stampede that left 42 persons dead and several more injured.

Last Edited by:Abena Agyeman-Fisher Updated: August 9, 2017

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