By Levy Masiteng
TS Galaxy were crowned 2026 Mpumalanga Premier’s Cup champions after beating Kruger United 3-1 in the final at KaNyamazane Stadium in Mbombela on Sunday.
The Rockets secured the provincial title in the pre-season tournament, earning the championship trophy, gold medals and a 14-seater Kombi.
Kruger United received R200 000 as runners-up, while losing semi-finalists Casric Stars and The Bees each received R50 000.
TS Galaxy produced a strong attacking performance in the final to overcome their provincial rivals and head into the new football season with an early trophy.
Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu handed the trophy to the TS Galaxy captain and players. He was joined by MEC for Culture, Sport and Recreation Leah Mabuza, MEC for Education Lindi Masina, executive mayors, SAFA representatives and other officials.
Ndlovu congratulated TS Galaxy and thanked the participating teams, athletes, coaches, officials and supporters for contributing to the tournament’s success.
The competition brought together Mpumalanga’s four professional football clubs — TS Galaxy, Kruger United, Casric Stars and The Bees — to compete for provincial honours.
It also included women’s and men’s football and netball competitions, drawing teams and supporters from across the province.
Matches and events were staged at KaNyamazane Stadium, Kabokweni Stadium, Lowveld High School and the KaNyamazane Netball Courts.
The provincial government said the tournament formed part of a broader programme to identify and develop sporting talent, promote social cohesion and support economic activity in host communities.
Speaking at the tournament’s launch earlier this month, Ndlovu said: “Today is more than the launch of a football and netball tournament. It is the beginning of a movement to unearth talent, unite communities, stimulate the local economy and inspire a new generation of sporting excellence.”
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