Caption:(3rd from right) Mpumalanga Premier alongside Directors from various Mpumalanga soccer teams
By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
Premier Mandla Ndlovu has officially launched the 2026 Mpumalanga Premier’s Cup at Kanyamazane Stadium on 10 July 2026, describing it as more than a football and netball competition but a “movement” to unearth talent, unite communities and grow the provincial economy.
Speaking at the launch, the Premier said the tournament reflects government’s commitment to investing in young people.
“We are here to unleash the 2026 Mpumalanga Premier’s Cup, a flagship sporting programme that reflects our commitment to investing in the potential of our people, especially the youth,” Premier Ndlovu said.
The Premier said sport remains one of government’s strongest tools for social cohesion and youth empowerment.
“As the Provincial Government, we firmly believe that sport is one of the greatest instruments for nation-building, social cohesion and youth empowerment. It has the power to break barriers, restore hope, build discipline and create opportunities where previously none existed,” he said.
The Premier’s Cup was reportedly conceived from a simple but powerful vision that every young person, irrespective of where they come from, should have an opportunity to showcase their talent on a competitive platform.
Learners under 16 will reportedly compete in structured football and netball competitions starting at circuit level, progressing through municipalities and districts to provincial finals.
Community clubs and professional teams will also take part to create a pathway from grassroots to elite level.
“This means that a talented learner watching today’s professional footballers could very well become tomorrow’s PSL or Bafana Bafana star. Equally, our young netball players can aspire to represent the Proteas on international stages. This is how sustainable sporting excellence is built,” said Premier Ndlovu.
He highlighted Mpumalanga’s sporting legacy, naming former stars such as Khanyi Chawane, Surprise Moriri, David Nyathi, Happy Jele, Reason Chilwana and others as true ambassadors of Mpumalanga.
According to Ndlovu, the Premier’s Cup is positioned as an economic driver across all Districts.
“ We want every district of Mpumalanga to experience the economic benefits that accompany major sporting events. This tournament will not only produce champions on the field but will also create opportunities for entrepreneurs, service providers and communities,” said Premier Ndlovu.
The tournament is said to be a joint initiative between the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation and the Department of Education, with support from Mpumalanga SAFA(South African Football Association), Mpumalanga Netball Association, Mpumalanga Sport Confederation, municipalities, private sector and professional clubs including TS Galaxy, Kruger United, Casric Stars and The Bees Football Club.
The Premier thanked players such as Bright Benny Ndlovu, Innocent Mkhabela, Ntandoyenkosi Nkosi, Bibo Malatjie and Seun Tower Ndlovu for representing the province professionally, saying their involvement sends a powerful message that professional sport has a responsibility to inspire and develop future generations.
Premier Ndlovu invited the private sector to partner with government to grow the tournament.
“Programme Director, government alone cannot achieve these ambitions. We therefore invite the private sector, sponsors and investors to partner with us in growing the Premier’s Cup into one of South Africa’s premier sporting events. Together we can transform Mpumalanga into a recognised destination for sport development, sport tourism and sporting excellence,” he added.
Closing the launch, the Ndlovu has urged communities to come out in numbers.
“ We wish to invite soccer and netball lovers to come and enjoy wayawaya in netball. Come in large numbers to enjoy unrestricted soccer. This is the only place where fans will be entertained, shibobo, kitchen and dining room, tsamaya, sandwich, spy 2, for free.
“As we officially launch this Mpumalanga Premier’s Cup, let us remember that we are not merely starting a tournament. We are building dreams, We are creating opportunities, We are strengthening communities, We are investing in the future of our children,” Premier Ndlovu concluded.
The event was attended by various guests including
MEC for DCSR(Sports, Arts and Culture), Leah Mabuza, MEC for Education, Lindi Masina, Chairperson of the Mpumalanga House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Kgoshi Lameck Mokoena, owners of Kruger United, The Bees, and Casric Stars soccer clubs, Heads of Departments, Netball Mpumalanga, as well as leaders of SAFA, amongst others.
