It’s no secret that the iconic club Bloemfontein Celtic was bought by a consortium of businessmen, reportedly led by Edward Modise. It is widely believed that the group was assembled by the Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, who hails from Heidedal in Bloemfontein. McKenzie is said to be on a mission to restore the once-feared Celtic to its rightful place in South African football.

Bloemfontein Celtic fan. Photo: Morgan Piek

Celtic ceased to exist as a PSL club ahead of the 2021/22 season, when the then-owner, Max Tshabalala, controversially sold the club’s status to businesswoman and socialite Shauwn Mkhize. She went on to form Royal AM, naming the club in honour of her son, Andile Mpisane, who became the club’s chairman, player and captain – despite questions about his ability to compete at top-flight level.

For several seasons, Bloemfontein fans had no PSL team to support – until the 2024/25 season, when Marumo Gallants relocated to the City of Roses and were welcomed with open arms. Gallants have already secured their spot in next season’s PSL.

Siphelele Luthuli. Photo: Morgan Piek

Reliable sources close to OFM Sport have revealed that Modise and his consortium are now on the verge of buying the PSL status from 13th-placed SuperSport United, with plans to rebrand the club as Bloemfontein Celtic – if the deal hasn’t already been finalised. Others downplayed the idea, or had no knowledge of the transaction. 

With the season nearing its end, Matsatsantsa a Pitori are still fighting to avoid the promotion-relegation playoffs. An announcement is expected at the end of May, once the season wraps up.

With four games remaining, SuperSport are currently safe, but much can still change. Well-known PSL pundit and founder of Soccer Beat, Peter du Toit, shared the news of Celtic’s possible return on his social media platforms on Friday.

@soccerbeatza ?? BREAKING NEWS ?? According to our information, Bloemfontein Celtic will be BACK next season, but at the cost of one of the PSL's most iconic clubs ?? #AirMobile #BetwayPrem #CastleLager ? original sound - SoccerBeatZA

Meanwhile, in light of Royal AM’s expulsion from the league, there have been calls to prevent any relegation this season and instead expand the PSL to 18 teams from the 2025/26 season.

Only time will tell, but as history has shown, when there’s smoke in the PSL, there’s often a veld fire.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg