Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu officially launched the 2026 Mpumalanga Premier’s Cup at KaNyamazane Stadium on July 10, describing the tournament as a platform to discover sporting talent, empower young people and strengthen communities across the province.
Speaking at the launch, Ndlovu said the Premier’s Cup is more than just a football and netball tournament. He described it as a movement aimed at creating opportunities for young athletes while promoting nation-building, social cohesion and economic development.
He said the tournament was established to ensure that every young person, regardless of where they come from, has the opportunity to showcase their talent on a competitive stage.
“The Premier’s Cup is about building dreams, creating opportunities, strengthening communities and investing in the future of our children,” said Ndlovu.
The Premier highlighted Mpumalanga’s proud sporting heritage, noting that the province has produced some of South Africa’s finest football and netball players. He encouraged aspiring athletes to follow in their footsteps and make full use of the opportunities provided through the tournament.
“The competition is a partnership between the Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation (DCSR) and the Department of Education. Learners under the age of 16 will compete from circuit level through municipal and district competitions before advancing to the provincial finals. Community clubs and professional teams will also participate, creating a clear pathway from grassroots sport to elite competition,” Ndlovu explained.
He added that the tournament is expected to stimulate local economies by attracting visitors, supporting tourism and creating opportunities for local businesses and entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, Mpumalanga MEC for DCSR Leah Mabuza welcomed the launch of the inaugural Premier’s Cup, describing it as a landmark initiative that reflects the provincial government’s commitment to developing young talent.
She commended Premier Ndlovu for his visionary leadership in introducing the tournament, saying it will identify, nurture and showcase the sporting abilities of young people while strengthening collaboration between the Departments of Culture, Sport and Recreation and Education.
“Sport plays a vital role in youth development by instilling discipline, teamwork, resilience, leadership and patriotism, while also promoting physical and mental well-being. The Premier’s Cup is more than a competition; it creates opportunities for young athletes to pursue their dreams and realise their full potential,” said Mabuza.
She said the tournament forms part of government’s broader vision to build stronger communities, promote social cohesion and create sustainable pathways from grassroots sport to elite competition. Mabuza also encouraged learners to compete with passion, integrity and respect, while expressing confidence that the Premier’s Cup will become a flagship sporting event that produces future national and international stars.
