Ahead of Marumo Gallants' opening Betway Premiership encounter against Kaizer Chiefs, KickOff has established the latest with regards to the club's bid to acquire the Bloemfontein Celtic name from owner Max Tshabalala.
This website has previously reported that Gallants were in the process of engaging Tshabalala to buy the Celtic name, following the restructuring and relocation of Gallants to the Free State.
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The re-branding of the previously Limpopo-based outfit was confirmed in their launch last month, where they adopted the Green and white colours of Celtic and revealed a new moniker for the club, 'Siwelele Sa Marumo'.
Gallants planned to start their season with the name Bloemfontein Celtic, after they acceded to demands by the Siwelele supporters, who threatened to reject the club should they not adopt and affiliate with the Celtic name.
However, negotiations with Tshabalala were the stumbling block.
The Celtic boss, who did not sell the trademark name after he sold the club's Premiership status to Royal AM in 2021, initially wanted R5 million to relinquish the naming rights to interested parties, before Gallants came on board.
However, he has played hard ball since Marumo expressed interest in buying the trademark name and not only upped the asking price but allegedly demanded shares in the new establishment, KickOff has been led to believe.
Gallants held a meeting on Sunday at Dr Molemela Stadium Indoor, with dignitaries such as Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, Executive Mayor in Mangaung Gregory Nthatisi and prominent businessman Mr Ben Moseme, among other influential people in the province, in attendance.
One of the key points on the agenda was feedback on the negotiations by Gallants along with the NEC with Tshabalala on the buying of the Celtic name.
This publication is in possession of the minutes of the meeting and can reveal that Tshabalala has resolved that the name 'Bloemfontein Celtic' is not for sale and will be used by his team which participates in the ABC Motsepe League.
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With the Celtic supporters having defected to Gallants and putting pressure on them to find a name that represents the City of Roses and its fanbase, Siwelele Sa Marumo will have to find an alternative name, expected to replace Marumo Gallants.
There is a feeling of confusion among the general supporters, as Bloemfontein Celtic is campaigning in the ABC Motsepe League, and there would be questions and issues of allegiance, especially should they rise up the divisions in the country.