Kruger United F.C.
| Full name | Kruger United Football Club |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2023 |
| Ground | KaNyamazane Stadium |
| League | National First Division |
| 2024–25 | 5th |
Kruger United is a South African soccer club, based in Bushbuckridge, Mpumalanga, that plays in the National First Division.[1]
History
Kruger United was formed in 2023, after purchasing the SAFA Second Division status of Caroline FC.[1]
In its first season, it won the Mpumalanga stream in the 2023–24 SAFA Second Division, qualifying for the playoffs, reaching the final and earning promotion to the 2024–25 National First Division.[2][3][4] Kruger was defeated 2-0 by Highbury in the final.[5]
Kruger appointed Vusi Mkhatshwa as head coach in February 2024.[6] Mkhatshwa earned promotion with Kruger, the second time he had done so with a side from Mpumalanga, following Mbombela United's promotion in 2014–15. He retired at the end of the season.[7]
The club finished fifth in its first season in the National First Division, but experienced financial difficulties, with delays in paying player's salaries.[8] As of July 2025, 80% of the players had not been paid for May, June or July.[9]
Honours
- SAFA Second Division Mpumalanga Stream winners: 2023–24
Players
League record
SAFA Second Division Mpumalanga Stream
- 2023–24 – 1st
- 2024–25 – 5th
References
- ^ a b "11-Month-Old Kruger United Rewrites History for the People of Bushbuckridge". Retrieved 4 July 2024.
- ^ Raophala, Mauwane (21 June 2024). "Two new Motsepe Foundation Championship clubs confirmed". FARPost. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
- ^ Reporter, Central News (23 June 2024). "Catch the 2024 ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs final: Kruger United vs Highbury FC LIVE on SABC 1 at 15:00". centralnews.co.za. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
- ^ "Kruger United and Highbury FC through to the ABC Motsepe National Playoffs Final - SAFA.net". 21 June 2024. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
- ^ Raophala, Mauwane (23 June 2024). "Highbury FC crowned ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs champions". FARPost. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
- ^ tumelodibakwane (25 February 2024). "Bushbuckridge-based soccer club appoints new head coach". Mpumalanga News. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
- ^ Raophala, Mauwane (23 June 2024). "Kruger United coach makes decision on his future after gaining promotion to PSL". FARPost. Retrieved 4 July 2024.
- ^ Mokhesi, Tokelo (2 June 2025). "Union sounds alarm as PSL players go months unpaid". FARPost. Retrieved 2 June 2025.
- ^ Raophala, Mauwane (25 July 2025). "Kruger United players frustrated over unpaid salaries". FARPost. Retrieved 25 July 2025.