KWAMHLANGA – Thembisile Hani Local Municipality (THLM) has signed a lease agreement with Motsepe Championship club Casric Stars FC, allowing the team to use Solomon Mahlangu Stadium as its home ground for the 2026/27 season. The agreement was signed on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, during a ceremony at the municipality.
The agreement marks a significant milestone for football in the region, providing Casric Stars with a permanent home base in KwaMhlanga.
According to the municipality, Casric Stars will host 15 league and cup matches at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium during the season. Together with the five matches already secured by Betway Premiership side TS Galaxy FC, the venue is expected to host 20 professional football matches this season.
The municipality said the partnership reflects its commitment to maximising the use of municipal infrastructure while promoting sport and local economic development.
"This agreement reflects our commitment to maximising the use of municipal infrastructure for the benefit of our communities. Hosting Casric Stars and TS Galaxy puts Thembisile Hani on the national football map and brings exciting football directly to our people."
The municipality said the agreement will allow Casric Stars to play in front of home supporters in Mpumalanga while creating opportunities for local businesses, tourism and employment on match days.
To support the partnership, the municipality has prioritised stadium upgrades and safety compliance to ensure Solomon Mahlangu Stadium continues to meet Premier Soccer League (PSL) standards.
It added that community access to the facility will remain a priority, with grassroots programmes, including DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) matches, continuing alongside professional fixtures.
The municipality also expressed confidence in Casric Stars' ambition of earning promotion to the Betway Premiership by the end of the 2026/27 season.
"No pressure, but it is now time for qualification."
With 20 high-profile matches confirmed, the municipality expects increased visitor numbers, more opportunities for local vendors and renewed community pride as Solomon Mahlangu Stadium becomes a hub for elite football.
