The Siya crew understands that the plan to bring back Bloemfontein Celtic to the top flight of South African football is proving to be a challenge for various reasons.
In early January, a statement was released by the club, signed by chairman Max Tshabalala, to reveal that Phunya Sele Sele have "Taken a decision to withdraw from participating in the ABC Motsepe League 2024/25 season with immediate effect."
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The statement further continued to confirm that, "The club has finally taken a decision to dispose of its name and trademark to a suitable consortium which is best positioned to obtain a professional status that will see Bloemfontein Celtic Football resurfacing in the Premier Soccer League."
The consortium is understood to be led by a Mr Modise, according to an informant, and they are working behind the scenes to ensure that Celtic make a return. Minister Gayton McKenzie has also spoken publicly about wanting to play a role to have Celtic back in professional football.
Celtic sold its top flight status to Royal AM in 2021, but they are now looking to make a return to professional football. They have been linked with Royal AM, but the Siya crew understands that there would be a big challenge in acquiring the club because of the debt it has accumulated.
Marumo Gallants are understood to be a club identified as a possible purchase, which would make life easier because they are already based in Bloemfontein. Gallants, however, have made it clear that they are not for sale, which has become a trend for clubs that end up selling.
A lot, of course, will depend on what happens at the end of the season, where relegation is concerned. Indications are that Celtic could buy a status in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
A source recently revealed the following to the Siya crew who revealed how much the name of Celtic was sold for.
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"There is a local businessman in Bloemfontein and apparently, he has paid R2.5 million of the asking price. He has been given time until the end of the season to pay the balance to buy the name of Bloemfontein Celtic Football Club," an informant said to the Siya crew.
"Apparently, he has given R2.5 million to Max, as a result the team was withdrawn from the ABC Motsepe League. They have been quoted R5 million for the naming rights. If they are struggling to buy a name, how are they going to buy the status? I think there are a whole lot of guys who are interested in buying Celtic, but it's all for political mileage and benefits."
If everything goes according to plan, Celtic are expected to be back in the PSL next season, be it in the top flight or second tier.
