Bloemfontein Celtic not sold as yet

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Wednesday May 30, 2018. 10:53

Despite reports suggesting that Bloemfontein Celtic have been sold, the South African Premier Soccer League has rubbished the claims.

Siwelele released a statement on Tuesday that the club is not sold as yet, but the management is meeting prospective bidders.

Local media reports recently suggested that the Mangaung-based side has been sold to a new owner in the Northern Cape province for R60 million.

“For the record the team has not yet been sold to any bidder. The Chairman, Max Tshabalala, has confirmed that the club is up for sale but nothing has been finalized with anyone,” reads a statement.

“Seeking to remedy the financial situation at the team, chairman and his executive team have been to Kimberly to speak to the Sol Plaatjie municipality about the possibility of playing some home games in Kimberly to gain some funds in order to remedy the financial situation of the club.

“The same proposed deal has not been signed, meaning there is absolutely nothing binding Celtic to move or play in that area.

“On Monday, 28th May, the Celtic hierarchy met with Mangaung Metropolitan Executive Mayor Clr. Olly Mlamleli in trying to come up with solution on how to get someone who will be able to purchase and still keep Celtic in Bloemfontein."

Confirming the news, Bloemfontein Celtic CEO Khumbulani Konco said, "I know it is very complicated for multitudes of our supporters around the country hearing such inappropriate tales about the team relocating to another province.

"It is unfortunately that some stories written about the team have been malicious and the one about the team being already sold was incredibly misinforming.

“Luckily our Metro has intervened and we will be able to possibly find someone willing to buy the team and keep it in Bloemfontein to honour the wish of legions of our supporters who are very passionate about their club.”