Former Bloemfontein Celtic defender Fabian McCarthy believes there is still something missing about the vibe and atmosphere of his ex-club, despite the recent emergence of Siwelele FC.
Siwelele FC are the newbies in the Betway Premiership after purchasing the status of SuperSport United. Their presence in the Free State province brings the number of clubs competing in the premiership to two, with Marumo Gallants.
Siwelele have been embraced by the passionate Bloemfontein Celtic supporters who have been longing for a club to support. Although the name Bloemfontein Celtic still exists, with no official status, it has been business as usual for their supporters, who have now fully embraced the new club.
WHAT WILL CONVINCE FABIAN MCCARTHY THAT THE BLOEMFONTEIN CELTIC VIBE IS BACK
However, McCarthy, who made his professional debut with Celtic in 1997, says there is only one thing that needs to happen to bring the Celtic vibe back to Mangaung.
“For me and perhaps some former players who came before me, earning the team’s name is especially meaningful because the colours are a constant presence,” he told FARPost.
“But once you come and say Bloemfontein is back, then the feeling will be there. So I don’t want to talk about any other feelings or so, but I know what’s happening around the naming rights and all those things which I can’t say.
“But it’s just my opinion and the way I feel and see it. We are called Bana ba ntate Molemela [Sons of Dr Petrus Stadium],” he added.
EX-PROFESSIONAL DEFENDER NOT FEELING THE SIWELELE FC VIBE AS YET
“Football is back in Bloemfontein, the vibe and the atmosphere are there. But personally, for me as a former Bloemfontein Celtic player, I am not feeling Siwelele as I would feel Bloemfontein Celtic. I watch and see on TV and acknowledge that the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium is back in full force.
“People are filling it up, be it on the midweek game or whatever game. But for me personally, if people talk about Bloemfontein Celtic, I get goosebumps. I haven’t seen it yet, maybe I will feel it when I go watch one of their games.”
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