Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie
By Sello Masilo
Bloemfontein Celtic, one of South Africa’s most iconic football clubs, is on the brink of making a monumental return to the Premier Soccer League (PSL). Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie revealed this during an interview on Marawa Sports Worldwide, sparking widespread excitement among Free State football fans. The club, which was sold to businesswoman Shawn Mkhize in 2021 and rebranded as Royal AM, was moved from Bloemfontein to KwaZulu-Natal, leaving a deep void in the hearts of its loyal supporters.
Celtic’s Journey to Uncertainty
Bloemfontein Celtic’s sale marked the end of an era. Once a symbol of Free State pride and football passion, financial troubles forced its former chairman, Max Tshabalala, to sell the club. Celtic had a massive support base and was known for producing top-tier players like Orlando Pirates’ Sipho Chaine, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Kabelo Dlamini, and Neo Maema of Mamelodi Sundowns. However, the club’s rebranding to Royal AM severed its deep-rooted connection to Bloemfontein.
A Revival in Motion
In a promising turn of events, Bloemfontein Celtic recently announced its withdrawal from the ABC Motsepe League, citing plans to acquire a PSL franchise. Minister McKenzie confirmed the developments during his interview, stating, “There are people very close to me who are busy buying Bloemfontein Celtic. They are talking to a PSL franchise to bring Celtic back to Bloemfontein. They’ve been given until the end of January to finalise the deal.”
The announcement signals a deliberate strategy to restore Celtic’s place in the top tier of South African football, much to the delight of its loyal fanbase.
Challenges Facing Royal AM
While Celtic plots its return, Royal AM, the club it was rebranded into, faces significant challenges. Owned by the flamboyant businesswoman Shawn Mkhize, Royal AM has been struggling financially. Mkhize is dealing with a R40 million tax bill from the South African Revenue Service, which has led to asset seizures.
Royal AM is also under a transfer ban for failing to pay former striker Samir Nurkovic R15 million in wages. Furthermore, the club has been unable to pay players’ salaries for months, prompting the PSL to cancel all its fixtures. Despite assurances from Royal AM’s management that players had resumed training and received their salaries, the PSL stated that the club failed to provide sufficient guarantees about its financial stability.
Could Celtic Target Royal AM?
Amid Royal AM’s turmoil, speculation has arisen that the consortium seeking to revive Celtic could acquire the struggling club. However, Minister McKenzie clarified that negotiations with Mkhize had fallen through, prompting the consortium to pursue another PSL franchise.
“They have spoken to the lady, but the negotiations were not successful. Hence, they are speaking to another club,” McKenzie said.
This development has shifted the focus to other potential clubs, such as Marumo Gallants, as the Celtic revival effort gains momentum.
Celtic’s Official Statement
On 14 January 2025, Bloemfontein Celtic’s chairman, Max Tshabalala, formally notified SAFA Free State of the club’s withdrawal from the ABC Motsepe League. The letter stated:
“We regret to inform you that Bloemfontein Celtic Football Club has decided to withdraw from participating in the ABC Motsepe League 2024-2025 Season with immediate effect. The club has taken this decision to dispose of its name and trademarks to a suitable consortium best positioned to obtain a professional status that will see Bloemfontein Celtic resurfacing in the Premier Soccer League.”
This statement has further fueled hopes of Celtic’s return to top-flight football.
A Legacy Worth Reviving
Founded in 1969, Bloemfontein Celtic holds a special place in South African football history. The club has been a cornerstone of Free State football culture, boasting a loyal fanbase known for their unwavering support and vibrant stadium atmospheres.
However, financial challenges saw Celtic relegated in 2001. The club made a triumphant return to the PSL three years later, only to face further challenges that culminated in its sale in 2021. Despite these setbacks, the Celtic brand remains iconic, and its potential revival is seen as a restoration of a vital cultural institution.
Minister McKenzie’s Vision
Minister McKenzie, a proud native of Bloemfontein, has been a vocal advocate for Celtic’s return. He emphasised the cultural and economic significance of the club to the Free State community, stating, “Come hell or what, Bloemfontein Celtic has to come back. These are people I can vouch for integrity-wise. They are not in football, but we all understand that Bloemfontein Celtic must return.”
Royal AM’s Struggles Highlight Urgency
Royal AM’s continued financial woes have underscored the urgency of restoring stability to the PSL. The club’s recent troubles have left a gap in the league and raised questions about the viability of its operations. Royal AM’s failure to meet fixture commitments, combined with its transfer ban and unpaid wages, has added weight to discussions about Celtic’s return.
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