OFM News previously reported that Bloemfontein Celtic will officially be relocated to Durban after the Premier Soccer League (PSL) confirmed the sale of the club to the businesswoman, Shauwn Mkhize, in accordance with article 14 of the National Soccer League. 

Mokgele Loate, a Bloemfontein resident from the Rocklands area and Celtic fan, says he is very disappointed and practically grew up with the club from a very young age. Loate says his mother used to sell food at the stadium in order to generate a small income.

He adds that the departure of the club has left Celtic fans with a feeling of uncertainty, as many people lived for the club and its history.

“We loved that team, we grew up supporting that team, and we have changed many owners, but we have still been supporting them. Today we are very disappointed about our team. We are very, very disappointed in our team, we do not know where we stand right now,” Loate says.

The deal, said to be worth R50 million, sees Celtic being dissolved 52-years after it was founded by Norman Mathobisa and Victor Mahatane in 1969. Players found out about the sale of the club on Monday afternoon.

After the news broke, they were instructed to immediately relocate to Durban in order to start preparing for the commencement of the league.

Bloemfontein Celtic was said to have one of the most loyal fan bases in the history of South African football. With the club's rich history, dedicated and loyal fans, supporters would travel miles across the country to support their club. This being evident in the sea of green at away games. With 52 years of rich history, this week is the darkest period in the club's existence. Bloemfontein has lost its pride in football, leaving fans in a spiral of different emotions.

OFM News/Blaine Jones and Morgan Piek