Bloemfontein Celtic
By Sello Masilo
In a major development set to shake up South African football, Bloemfontein Celtic is set to make a dramatic return to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) under the new name “Celtic United”, following the purchase of SuperSport United’s top-flight status for R50 million. According to celebrated broadcaster Robert Marawa, the transaction is being finalised by a young businessman from Bloemfontein, breathing new life into the historic club beloved by fans across the country.
A Historic Comeback for ‘Siwelele’
Once a powerhouse of South African football with an incredibly loyal fan base known as “Siwelele”, Bloemfontein Celtic was sold and relocated to KwaZulu-Natal in 2021 due to financial difficulties. The club was subsequently rebranded as Royal AM, effectively erasing its identity from the Free State football landscape.
Now, the club is poised to return to its rightful place in the Premier Division, reviving hopes among supporters and bringing elite football back to the Free State. The new club will be called Celtic United, as the original naming rights remain with the previous owner of Bloemfontein Celtic.
Marawa Confirms R50 Million Deal
Speaking on his platform Marawa Sports Worldwide, Robert Marawa broke the news, saying: “‘Bloemfontein Celtic’ is back in the Premiership for next season with the Marawa Scorpions unraveling that the status of SuperSport United has been bought by a young Bloemfontein businessman for an amount of R50 million rand!! The Club will operate as Celtic United.”
Although further details are expected to be released in the coming days, Marawa confirmed that the agreement is all but sealed, pending final league approvals and registration updates.
New Identity, Old Legacy
Despite the name change to Celtic United, insiders say the essence and culture of Bloemfontein Celtic will be preserved. The club’s colours, home ground aspirations, and community outreach programmes are expected to reflect the traditions that made the team a fan favourite for decades.
There is already speculation that Celtic United could use the iconic Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium as its home ground, a move that would symbolically reconnect the club with its roots in Mangaung. Community leaders and former players have already begun calling for the restoration of the Siwelele culture, which played a vital role in uniting the Free State’s diverse communities.
The Fate of SuperSport United
SuperSport United, one of the more stable clubs in the PSL in recent years, is reportedly preparing to vacate its top-tier status. While the club has not officially confirmed the sale, sources close to the deal suggest that SuperSport’s ownership structure had long been evaluating exit options. The decision to sell their PSL status to the Celtic-linked consortium is said to be driven by strategic realignment.
This transaction, once ratified by the PSL, will mean that SuperSport United will no longer participate in the 2025/26 DStv Premiership, ending an era that saw them win multiple trophies including three league titles.
R50 Million Investment to Revive Football in Free State
The reported R50 million deal represents a significant injection into South African football and is especially meaningful for the Free State, which has lacked a PSL club since Bloemfontein Celtic’s departure. Football fans in the province, long deprived of home matches at the top level, have expressed excitement and pride at the potential return of professional football to their communities.
The move could also boost the local economy through job creation, stadium use, tourism, and increased commercial activity.
PSL Approval Pending
As with all status purchases, the deal must receive the green light from the Premier Soccer League’s executive committee. This includes financial checks, compliance with league rules, and formal documentation. The PSL is expected to issue an official statement in due course, once all regulatory processes have been completed.
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