Mpumalanga native Katlego Mashego excited about his home province having an official team in the top-flight. Photo: Gallo Images
Katlego Mashego, who is a native of Bushbuckridge, has expressed his gratification that the residents of Mpumalanga now have a top-flight team that will be based in the province on a full-time basis.
Kruger United have secured top honours in the Motsepe Foundation Championship and will be competing against big guns of South African football such as Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, and Orlando Pirates as of next season.
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“Kruger United is based in Hazyview near Mkhuhlu, which is close to my hometown,” details Mashego, speaking to KickOff.
“Their elevation to the top tier is beneficial not only for the local community but also for the entire province of Mpumalanga.”
The former Pirates striker said the province boasts world-class facilities, such as Mbombela Stadium, which he insists Kruger United should use effectively.
“Now, residents of the area and the province have a team they can identify with,” shared the former player.
“Being situated within their own province will bring the team closer to its supporters and local communities.
Mashego said the team’s name reflects its identity as a true Mpumalanga-based club because of the province’s biggest attractions, the Kruger National Park.
“I believe it is the first time that a team from that particular area of the province has reached the top tier,” adds Mashego.
When asked about the prospect of the province hosting its first-ever top-tier derby, the man nicknamed ‘Mahoota’ expressed some uncertainty.
“That is a complex issue because Galaxy are based in Gauteng. They only play their home matches in Mpumalanga. But their roots are in KwaNdebele. Therefore, it can be considered a Mpumalanga derby,” he said candidly.
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“It is feasible to attract top national talent to Mpumalanga since Mbombela is a city capable of supporting professional sports. The city features a World Cup stadium and shares similarities with cities such as Port Elizabeth.”
The former Mamelodi Sundowns forward said this makes Mpumalanga an attractive destination for players across the country.
“Furthermore, Mpumalanga offers numerous suitable locations; the Chile national football team trained there during the 2010 World Cup. So, players shouldn’t have a problem in relocating to Mpumalanga.”
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