Bloemfontein Celtic looming on PSL horizon as SuperSport United speculation swirls
Herman Gibbs | Published 3 hours ago
The South African football landscape is abuzz with anticipation as plans are reportedly in motion for the acquisition of SuperSport United by the now-defunct Bloemfontein Celtic.
This striking development emerges as speculation heats up around the future of the beleaguered PSL Tshwane outfit, who are facing uncertain times as they grapple with the challenge of relegation.
Sources indicate that the blueprint for this sale is in place, yet officials remain tight-lipped about the surprising turn of events.
The club's precarious position was compounded by a rocky start to the season, culminating in the departure of seasoned coach Gavin Hunt.
Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Andre Arendse has stepped in as caretaker coach, guiding a side currently languishing in 13th place with just four matches left this season to prove their mettle.
The spectre of relegation hangs heavily as they seek to salvage what remains of a disappointing campaign, which is set to conclude without any silverware.
In August 2021, Bloemfontein Celtic sold their Premier Soccer League (PSL) status to reality TV star and businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize for R50 million.
At the time, the Free State giants were one of the most supported teams in the country.
Despite these mounting reports, SuperSport United's current management remain cautious.
Stan Matthews, the CEO of SuperSport, has come forward to dismiss the speculation. 'Since 2019, there have been persistent rumours about the club being sold,' he stated.
'As far as I know, our main focus right now is to avoid relegation.'
Media queries directed to SuperSport's chair, Khulu Sibiya and media officer, Brian Moshoeshoe, have gone unanswered.
Reports that surfaced indicate that the franchise will relocate the club to Bloemfontein and revive the legendary Bloemfontein Celtic, famously known as ' Phunya Sele Sele ' or ' Siwelele ' .
In a season filled with uncertainties, SuperSport face the threat of relegation, but the potential end of their legacy in South African football.
The unfolding drama affects their core identity, but also stirs emotions among supporters, reminding many of the rich history and legacy that Bloemfontein Celtic also carried for decades.
The coming weeks will be critical for SuperSport ' s survival in the league, and the prospective return of the roaring green-and-white hoops of Celtic to the South African football landscape.
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