Bloemfontein Celtic has finally been revived, with the iconic club's return to the PSL imminent following successful talks with a business consortium.
Celtic have been campaigning in the ABC Motsepe League after selling their status to Royal AM in 2021.
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KickOff.com previously reported that a business consortium behind Marumo Gallants were in negotiations with Siwelele Chairman Max Tshabalala to purchase the famous name and trademark.
Tshabalala did not sell the trademarked name 'Bloemfontein Celtic' when he sold the status to Thwihli Thwahla and after a strategic move by the consortium, led by Gallants Chairman Abram Sello, which bought the status of Moroka Swallows, one of the main priorities was to buy the name.
This was after they also relocated to Bloemfontein and played their home matches at Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium.
Initially, negotiations between the consortium and Tshabalala, who wanted R5 million for the naming rights a few years ago, were not successful, as the Siwelele boss allegedly wanted more money and a stake in the new establishment.
However, this website has been led to believe that a deal has finally been struck between Gallants and Tshabalala to rename the club Bloemfontein Celtic, after the latter withdrew his team from participating in the ABC Motsepe League.
"We regret to inform you that Bloemfontein Celtic Football Club has taken the decision to withdraw from participating in the ABC Motsepe League 2024/25 season with immediate effect," Tshabalala wrote to the League this week in a letter leaked to KickOff.com.
"In the best interest of the Free State province and football lovers in general, the club has taken the decision to dispose its name and trademarks to a suitable consortium which is best positioned to obtain a professional status that will see Bloemfontein Celtic Football Club resurfacing in the Premier Soccer League again.
"It is against the above background, although not limited to, that we apologise for any inconvenience that the above may have caused in the process."
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After the initial talks were not successful, Gallants instead had a new moniker, 'Siwelele Sa Marumo', and changed the club colours to Green and White after they struck a deal with the Siwelele Supporters Club, who demanded an official affiliation.
According to a reliable source close to the dealings, Gallants have finally purchased the naming rights and will be renamed Bloemfontein Celtic.
This publication has been led to believe that Tshabalala will form part of the consortium, which also includes former owner Jimmy Augousti, hence the withdrawal of Celtic from the ABC Motsepe League.