Latest news with #HermanGibbs
The Star
10-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Whoop, whoop, roaring green-and-white hoops of Bloemfontein Celtic braced for PSL return
Herman Gibbs | Published 3 hours ago The heart of Free State's football fraternity is racing with anticipation as Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie is on the cusp of completing formalities for the return of the defunct Bloemfontein Celtic, fondly known as Siwelele, to the Premier Soccer League (PSL). A consortium spearheaded by McKenzie is orchestrating the transition of the PSL franchise of beleaguered SuperSport United to Bloemfontein Celtic. According to sources familiar with the deal, only the funds have yet to change hands, but information about the agreement suggests an imminent announcement will be made at the end of the current season. McKenzie's commitment in this saga first came to light in February when he expressed a strong commitment to see the potential return of Bloemfontein Celtic to the PSL. At the time, McKenzie told Botha Msila, Celtic's dedicated No 1 fan, that Celtic would soon be back in the PSL. 'I gave him my absolute word that Siwelele is coming back,' said McKenzie, who further underscored his belief in the group's capability to restore the club to their former glory. 'Many tried and failed, but this group will not fail. Exciting times ahead.' The Free State-based club saw their top-flight status sold off amidst financial turmoil in August 2021. The then-owner Max Tshabalala made the heart-wrenching decision to sell the club's PSL status due to crippling financial difficulties. He sold to business mogul Shauwn Mkhize, popularly known as MamKhize, for R50 million. Following the acquisition, she rebranded the team as Royal AM, sparking an outcry among loyal Celtic supporters who have long yearned for the beloved Siwelele back in the elite league. It seems that McKenzie and his consortium were biding their time, and they struck when the franchise of the beleaguered SuperSport United became available. Despite these mounting reports, SuperSport United's current management remains cautious. Stan Matthews, the CEO of SuperSport United, 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. As speculation regarding the club's sale intensifies, the looming question remains: will SuperSport United finish the season strong enough to avert the playoffs and relegation, and subsequently, will these talks dissipate? For now, the club's immediate fate lies in the next three games, crucial fixtures against Stellenbosch FC (May 17 away), Orlando Pirates (May 20 home) and Richards Bay (May 24 home) that will determine whether the sale will continue. As discussions surrounding investment and club management continue, the prospect of revitalising Bloemfontein Celtic has ignited excitement across the region. Fans, who have kept the club's spirit alive through unwavering support, await further updates with bated breath. The journey ahead may be fraught with challenges, but the vision of seeing Siwelele return to the PSL again is beginning to feel tangible. Over time, the loyalty of Celtic's fans has never waned, and many have continued to rally for the return of the club that holds a special place in the hearts of the local community. The coming weeks will be critical for SuperSport United's survival in the league and the prospective return of Celtic's roaring green-and-white hoops to the South African football landscape.
The Star
10-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
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.
The Star
03-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Mamelodi Sundowns dominate Cape Town City, inch closer to eighth consecutive PSL title
Herman Gibbs | Published 1 hour ago Mamelodi Sundowns cemented their spot at the top of the Premiership with a 2-0 win over Cape Town City on Saturday evening, edging tantalisingly closer to an eighth consecutive league title – a monumental feat in South African football history. Coach Miguel Cardoso's team (61 points after 24 games) are now 12 points clear of second-placed Orlando Pirates (22), who have 49 after their dramatic 2-1 Soweto derby win over Kaizer Chiefs earlier on Saturday. Attacking midfielder Tashreeq Matthews gave Masandawana a 1-0 halftime lead after a rousing first half at the Cape Town Stadium in Green Point. On two occasions in the opening four minutes, City managed to round the Brazilians' defence, but failed to capitalise. This pressure earned them the game's first corner, but goalkeeper Ronwen Williams gathered well to nullify the set-piece. Sundowns managed to thwart City's early attacking forays before it reached the fringes of their goalmouth. At the other end, the visitors were far more penetrative, but their only reward was Matthews' 34th-minute strike after a fine feed from teammate Iqraam Rayners, who earlier managed to beat the offside trap. As the second half wound its course, there were plenty of oohs and ahs from the fans as both defences survived close calls after several half-chances emerged. For the greater part of the half, play swung like a pendulum from one end to the other, highlighting the attacking intent of the teams. The heart and tenacity of the teams displayed belied the fact that the game was a contest between teams at different ends of the Premiership standings. Towards the end of the match, Sundowns' class came to the fore when they doubled their score through Rayners, who ran smartly to latch onto an Arthur Sales through-ball for the side's insurance goal. Ten minutes from the end, the Sundowns fans raised a huge cheer to welcome their captain Themba Zwane, who entered the fray at the expense of Matthews. The Brazilians will be in action again on Wednesday when they host Chippa United. City, rock bottom on the log with 24 points after 27 games, will travel to Polokwane for a clash next Saturday. Saturday's Premiership Results Kaizer Chiefs 1-2 Orlando Pirates Golden Arrows 0-3 Stellenbosch FC Magesi FC 1-1 Sekhukhune United SuperSport United 2-0 Chippa United Cape Town City 0-2 Mamelodi Sundowns
The Star
22-04-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Dream all-South African Champions League final at risk after Mamelodi Sundowns draw
Herman Gibbs | Published 1 hour ago After Mamelodi Sundowns failed to capitalise on home-ground advantage over the weekend, a dream all-South African CAF Champions League final hangs in the balance. Sundowns and Egypt's record 14-time title holders Al Ahly cancelled each other out in a tense 0-0 draw in the first leg of their CAF Champions League semi-final at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria. The stalemate has set the stage for a thrilling return fixture on Friday night at the Cairo International Stadium (6pm kick-off). Al Ahly are unbeaten at home in the CAF Champions League since 2021, and will fancy their chances of securing a place in the final as they chase a record-extending 15th continental crown. On Saturday, both teams demonstrated their tactical prowess, with Sundowns managing only a solitary shot on target. Al Ahly had two goals controversially ruled out for offside after viewing VAR, alongside striking the post. Miguel Cardoso, the Sundowns coach, has maintained a positive outlook despite their first-leg defeat. He said the tie was far from over, and his players have what it takes to perform in challenging conditions. 'I still believe we can beat Al Ahly because we didn't lose to them in this match. There is a lot to be played for still, and we can do that out of belief and capacity for what we can put on the pitch," said Cardoso. 'We are going there and expecting a different match. 'Whoever goes through, the other team will not be happy. But whoever goes through will be strong because these are the two best teams in Africa. 'One will suffer in the end, but I hope we can be strong enough to cope. I believe we can cope, considering how we coped in Tunisia in different conditions. 'We believe in our team and the ability to upset anyone, especially looking ahead to the second leg.' Although he was disappointed with the stalemate, the outcome was a personal triumph for Marcel Koller, who became the first Al Ahly coach to record a clean sheet against the Brazilians in South Africa. After the match, Koller said he was disappointed to see technology deny them a crucial away goal, but admits it was the right call. 'We didn't allow the opponent to control the game. We are fully aware that this match represents only half of the current stage,' said Koller. "There's still another half to be played in Cairo, and we must stay highly focused in the second leg to reach the final. 'Possession is not important if it doesn't lead to any benefit. Al Ahly created several chances, and one of them hit the crossbar. 'We were more dangerous overall. We succeeded in playing with a great organisation.' Koller has sent a clear message to Sundowns for the return fixture. He said Al Ahly will adopt a more aggressive strategy to overturn the current stalemate. 'We know the point (what is required) - we have not scored a goal. In Cairo, we must score two goals. We know that. 'In the beginning, I said only the halftime is over. We have another halftime of the game, and we should have 100% concentration in Cairo,' said the Swiss-born Koller. But Sundowns will hope that talismanic figure Themba Zwane will inspire them to victory in Cairo. The 35-year-old made his return to the team in the first leg after a long injury layoff, and came on in the second half to a warm welcome from the Masandawana fans. Perhaps Cardoso should utilise the Bafana Bafana stalwart, who signed a contract extension just last week, in the starting XI on Friday to help unlock the Al Ahly defence.
