Kruger United have secured automatic promotion to the Betway Premiership with two matches spare after defeating Black Leopards 3-1 in the Motsepe Foundation Championship on Saturday afternoon at KaNyamazane Stadium.
The Village Boys have been in an impressive run of form, pulling away from other NFD teams such as Milford FC, Hungry Lions FC, Casric Stars, and Cape Town City FC, who were also chasing the automatic promotion spot and were crowned champions of the second-tier league.
Kruger are unbeaten in their last six matches after claiming wins against Lerumo Lions FC, Highbury FC, Midlands Wanderers FC, Cape Town City, Baroka FC, and Black Leopards.
The Mpumalanga-based outfit has amassed 58 points from 28 games, recording 16 wins, seven draws, and only four defeats. Currently eight points clear at the summit, they are mathematically out of reach for second-placed Milford. With only two games remaining, Milford can only reach a maximum of 56 points. This confirms Kruger United as champions.
EXPERIENCED CAMPAIGNERS SECURE AUTOMATIC PROMOTION FOR KRUGER UNITED
Kruger have joined TS Galaxy as the second team from Mpumalanga that will participate in the South African top-flight. The in-form Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit invested in experienced players to push for promotion. They roped in seasoned campaigners such as Tercious Malepe, Wandisile Letlabika, Ebrahim Seedat, Morne Nel, Ntsako Makhubela, and Celimpilo Ngema, among others.
These veterans, who have featured for several top-flight teams, played a major role in securing the club’s spot in the Betway Premiership for the 2026/27 campaign.
Meanwhile, on Friday, another Mpumalanga side, Casric Stars, boosted their chances of reaching the promotional playoffs. They sealed a 2-0 win over Baroka FC, who have already been relegated to the ABC Motsepe League.
And the Bucs Mthombeni-owned side is currently fourth on the table with 46 points from 28 matches. They are competing for a top-three finish to qualify for the playoffs and a chance to participate in the elite league next season.
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