The Premier of Mpumalanga, Mandla Ndlovu, has revealed to FARPost that engagements are underway to assist Kruger United to play at Thulamahashe Stadium as soon as possible.
Kruger were recently promoted to the Betway Premiership after finishing first in their second season in the professional setup.
The club spent only two seasons in the Motsepe Foundation Championship after their promotion from the third-tier SAFA ABC Motsepe League in 2024.
However, the club from Bushbuckridge will not be playing any of their home matches in front of their supporters and will continue to use the Kanyamazane and Mbombela Stadiums. This is because the Thulamahashe Stadium in Bushbuckridge currently has an artificial turf pitch, and major renovations are required at the facility.
The Local Municipality has been criticised for their delay in renovating the stadium to meet the PSL requirements.
MPUMALANGA PREMIER ISSUES AN UPDATE ON THE THULAMAHASHE STADIUM RENOVATION PLANS
But speaking after Kruger were officially crowned champions in Kanyamazane outside Mbombela on Sunday, Ndlovu confirmed that the Municipality has a budget to start with renovations.
“Soon, not only soon, soonest. They must fix that stadium,” Ndlovu told FARPost.
“We are engaging with the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality, and I am happy because they are saying that they have the budget to fix that stadium.
“At least they can learn from Mbombela on how to maintain the two stadiums that they have here. Our people are going to enjoy football here in Mpumalanga and in particular Bushbuckridge,” he added.
KRUGER UNITED SUPPORTERS ASSURED THAT THEY WILL WATCH THEIR CLUB IN BUSHBUCKRIDGE SOON
“They [Kruger supporters] must know that we are aware that they are yearning for this beautiful game. So we are also going to fix the Thulamahashe Stadium. But I am very happy that at least we have two teams in the elite league from Mpumalanga.”
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