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Gayton Mackenzie drops strong hint about Bloem Celtic’s return

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has given the strongest hint that the once-revered football club Bloemfontein Celtic could be set for a sensational return to the Betway Premiership.

The club has not played in the top tier of domestic football since 2021, following owner Max Tshabalala’s controversial sale of its PSL status to businesswoman and socialite Shauwn Mkhize. This transaction resulted in the formation of Royal AM.

Although Celtic has been absent from the PSL for nearly five years, it has continued to exist and compete in the lower divisions, albeit with limited success.

Until recently, Celtic played in the ABC Motsepe League. However, they were recently withdrawn from all their remaining fixtures for the season, and their naming rights and trademarks were sold to a consortium of unknown businessmen.

The club released a statement confirming its withdrawal from all competitions, paving the way for a long-awaited return to the PSL.

Bloemfontein Celtic players before a game
Bloemfontein Celtic. Picture by Celtic/Facebook

“In the best interest of the Free State Province and football lovers in general, the club has decided to transfer its name and trademarks to a consortium that is best positioned to obtain a professional status, allowing Bloemfontein Celtic Football Club to resurface in the Premier Soccer League,” read the statement.

WHAT GAYTON MCKENZIE HAS SAID BLOEMFONTEIN CELTIC

The exact status of the PSL club targeted by the consortium remains unknown. However, speculation suggests it could be Royal AM—the same club whose formation led to Celtic’s demise. Royal AM is experiencing significant financial troubles, and fixtures have been postponed.

In addition, the club is under a FIFA ban that prohibits them from signing new players. This ban arises from the Samir Nurkovic saga, which has left the club owing him R15 million in unpaid wages.

McKenzie shared a video of himself with Botha Msila on X, stating that he had assured the Siwelele number one fan that his team would soon be back.

“I had such an emotional encounter with Botha, the number one Siwelele supporter. I gave him my absolute word that Siwelele is coming back, I told him that I can vouch with my life for the ppl [people] who are bringing Siwelele back to Free State. Many tried & failed, but this Group will not fail. Exciting times ahead.”

RELATED STORY: Bloem Celtic abandon ABC Motsepe League, eye PSL return

 

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