Cape Town - Two supporters have died and several others were injured, some critically, during a stampede outside FNB Stadium in Soweto, during an encounter between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

The two sides are contesting the annual Carling Black Label Cup that heralds the start of the South African soccer season. Players and officials inside the stadium were not alerted to the troubles outside with Chiefs running out 1-0 winners after 90 minutes.

Unconfirmed reports has said the stampede was as a result of fans trying to force their way into the stadium. Police have confirmed the deaths as well as injuries happened at Gate-J during the match.

Johannesburg mayor, Herman Mashaba release a statement following the incident.

Two residents have tragically lost their lives during a stampede at the Carling Black Label: Chiefs vs Pirates soccer match at FNB today. pic.twitter.com/bv0ftysXQE — Herman Mashaba (@HermanMashaba) July 29, 2017

Confirmation from #Police of dead & critical injury's due to stampede at Gate-J during #Carlingblacklabel match Chiefs v Pirates. #SABCNews. — Thabiso Sithole (@ThabisoSithole) July 29, 2017