 | |||
| Full name | Bloemfontein Celtic Football Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Phunya Sele Sele, Siwelele | ||
| Founded | 1969; 56 years ago (1969),as Mangaung United | ||
| League | ABC Motsepe League | ||
Bloemfontein Celtic Football Club (simply known asCeltic) is a South African amateurfootball club based inBloemfontein that competes in theABC Motsepe League, the third tier of the South African football league system.
Bloemfontein Celtic had a large fan base in theFree State beforeselling their Premiership franchise toRoyal AM before the start of the2021–22 South African Premier Division season.[1][2][3]
Its supporters were known asSiwelele.
The club was founded by Norman Mathobisa and Victor Mahatane in 1969. They administered the club until the early 1980s when financial challenges forced them to sell the club to Petrus "Whitehead" Molemela.[4] In November 2001, after the relegation ofPhunya Sele Sele, Molemela sold his shares in the club to Demetri "Jimmy" Augousti, a former Celtic player.
After only three years out of the top-flight, the club regained its PSL status with an impressive season in 2003–04 when they were crowned First Division champions. They also managed to win the 2005SAA Supa 8 and the 2007Telkom Charity Cup.
In 2009 they formed a partnership with Portuguese clubSporting CP, that included the creation of a youth academy, based in the capital of the Free State.[5]
Max Tshabalala, who also ownsRoses United, took over from Augousti on 21 July 2014.[6]
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Willem Vries 306Benjamin Reed 75
Lehlohonolo Seema Jeffrey Lekgetla 39 (1992) Troy Saila 20 (1987)
Norman Mathobisa and Victor Mahatanya (1969–1984) Petros Molemela (1984 – November 2001) Jimmy Augousti (November 2001 – 21 July 2014) Max Tshabalala (21 July 2014 – 26 October 2024)
Paul Dolezar (2005–06)Tony De Nobrega (2006–07)Khabo Zondo (1 July 2007 – 9 April 2008) David Modise(interim) (April 2008 – 8 June)Mich d'Avray (1 July 2008 – 27 December 2008)Owen Da Gama (28 Dec 2008 – 30 June 2010)Clinton Larsen (9 Aug 2010 – 7 October 2013)
Ernst Middendorp (11 Oct 2013 – 15 December 2014)Clinton Larsen (15 Dec 2014–2015)
