Football fanatics have taken to the socials to react to the news of the sale of the once great Bloemfontein Celtic, who sold their Free State ABC Motsepe League status to Mangaung Unite.
The side’s fans have previously shown concerns over the club’s future before the club sold its franchise to Royal AM before the start of the 2021/22 season. To add to that, Celtic also sold their Hollywoodbets Super League status to Thwihli Thwahla not so long ago.
Siwelele has now been reduced to a development football team which was officially opened on 30 July 2022. The Academy caters for kids from the age of six to 15 both male and female.
Mangaung confirmed the heartbreaking news on Thursday evening in celebration of their 10th year of existence.
“As promised, we are back, stronger and better than ever!” said Mangaung in a statement.
“It is with great excitement that we officially announce our return to the beautiful game. That being said, it is not excitement alone that drives our return. It is excitement and much more. Mangaung Unite has successfully purchased the status of Bloemfontein Celtic Colts.
“We as the leadership of Mangaung Unite have a deep sense of responsibility to the people of Bloemfontein. This soccer-loving city is deserving of a professionally run organisation that will nurture, develop, and catapult the abundance of talent that is found in and around our city.
“We have taken time off this previous season, to re-energize and re-organize in pursuance of our dream of bringing glory back to our great city.”
Mangaung will commence the new season with the Nedbank Cup qualification encounter against Spartans FC on Saturday, 10 September at Tokkie Park. The kick-off is at 15:00.
FANS’ REACTION!!!
FARPost has gathered some of the reactions with many paying tribute to the club and what it has brought to the South African football top-flight since its establishment 53 years ago.
One of Maungaung’s fans replied: “Please bring the glory days back to our beloved Free State Province. We have faith in the team to do well this season and get promotion to Motsepe Foundation Championship. You have our full support in Brandfort.
Another said: “I know both names Mangaung Unite and Bloemfontein Celtic will always be in Free State people’s hearts, especially Bloemfontein but how I wished you could have bought status together with their names so that the legacy of Mr Molema live forever.
The other follower added: “We need a home ground e kahara lekeishene [in the township] to make it easier for the young and old to access the games… Dr Molemela might be convenient.
