The prospective sale of SuperSport United has ignited conversations across the South African football community, as sources reveal that a consortium, reportedly linked to Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, is exploring the acquisition of the Pretoria-based club. The move, if finalised, is said to be part of an ambitious plan to revive Bloemfontein Celtic, a club with a rich history and a loyal following, whose Premier Soccer League (PSL) status was acquired by Royal AM in 2021.
The proposed revival, however, has encountered resistance, particularly regarding the use of the iconic Bloemfontein Celtic name. Free State businessman Edward Modise, who secured the naming rights from previous owner Max Tshabalala, remains adamant that the club’s historical identity cannot be reused without his consent.
“If people doubt my legitimacy over the Bloemfontein Celtic ownership, they can check with Cipro [Companies and Intellectual Property Registration Office]. I am the owner 100%,”
Modise told *Sunday World*, addressing growing public interest and speculation surrounding the club’s future.
The consortium’s strategy reportedly involves purchasing SuperSport United’s PSL status, rebranding the team under the name “Celtic United” or “Siwelele Football Club,” in an effort to rekindle the spirit of the beloved Bloemfontein-based outfit. Yet, Modise has made it clear that any attempt to associate the new entity with the Celtic name without legal authorisation would be met with opposition.
“I have been reading the stories, and I do not know who these people are. I was not even approached by people with a common goal,”
Modise remarked, expressing concern over the lack of communication from those involved in the consortium.
Bloemfontein Celtic, affectionately known as Phunya Sele Sele, commanded one of the most passionate supporter bases in South African football. However, the sale of the club’s PSL status to Royal AM in 2021 left a vacuum in the Free State’s football landscape, prompting efforts from various stakeholders to reintroduce top-flight football to the region.
Supporters have remained divided since, with some aligning themselves with other clubs, including Marumo Gallants, whose nickname “Siwelele sa Marumo” reflects an intentional link to Celtic’s identity.
In the face of these developments, Modise has not ruled out the possibility of dialogue but maintains his stance on protecting the brand he legally owns.
“If I was approached, I would listen, and I am willing to negotiate for the sake of the football-loving people of the province; I would not hide,”
he stated, suggesting he could be open to negotiations under the right circumstances.
He further criticised the consortium’s alleged approach, questioning the integrity behind using the Celtic name without proper engagement.
“I am told that the people are in a consortium with the honourable minister McKenzie. But I say they cannot bring back the club without the name,”
Modise added, reinforcing the significance of ownership rights in this unfolding narrative.
The proposed names—Celtic United and Siwelele Football Club—may resonate with fans on an emotional level, yet Modise believes this strategy lacks authenticity.
“What they are doing is not honourable; there are so many names they can call it. Why do they want to call it Celtic United? This is not done in good faith,”
he concluded.
As the possibility of SuperSport United’s sale looms, the clock is ticking for all parties involved. Sources close to the negotiations indicate that finalising the transaction promptly is critical to ensuring a stable pre-season for the team, regardless of its future identity.
