Matsatsantsa a Pitori, who developed players such as current Bafana Bafana captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, has sold their PSL status to a young businessman from Bloemfontein. 

From the 2025/26 domestic season, the team will compete under the name Siwelele FC. The sale has, however, still got to be ratified by the PSL.

Siwelele FC coat of arms

Earlier this year, reports suggested that a consortium led by Edward Modise, who owns the Bloemfontein Celtic name, was planning to buy SuperSport United and bring the once-feared Phunya Sele Sele back to its rightful home, Bloemfontein. However, it has since emerged that a different entity, Siwelele Football Club (Pty) Ltd, has acquired the club’s top-flight status. 

Initially, it was believed the club would be called Celtic United, a name that was generally well received by the Celtic faithful. But due to what’s believed to be naming rights issues, the club will instead go forward as Siwelele FC. 

They will, however, play in the famous green-and-white strip, while their logo does hold some of the same characteristics as that of the Celtic coat of arms. The news was confirmed on Thursday, with SuperSport CEO Rendani Ramovha stating that the broadcaster had decided to part ways with the Pretoria-based club.

Proposed Siwelele FC kit

“The sale of the club comes as SuperSport makes strategic shifts to allow us to remain the biggest broadcaster in Africa and a leading global competitor. Shifts in the market, as well as the need to innovate in accordance with our core business, have necessitated a focused direction to ensure SuperSport remains the best sports content provider on the continent and a leader in broadcast innovation.”

Siwelele FC chairman, Calvin Lee John, expressed his excitement at the opportunity and said they are committed to building on the foundation laid over the past three decades by SuperSport United.

“As Siwelele FC, we are privileged to be entrusted with the responsibility of continuing a proud and successful PSL legacy.

“SuperSport and the MultiChoice Group have created an incredible platform over the past 30 years, and we aim to build on that, pending final approval from the PSL Executive Committee.” 

Siphelele Luthuli in actionfor Bloemfontein Celtic against Kaizer Chiefs. Photo: Morgan Piek

It is still unclear whether the club will be based in Bloemfontein. If they do relocate, they will need to win the hearts and minds of the Celtic fans, much like Marumo Gallants had to, when they moved to the City of Roses in 2024. 

Bloemfontein Celtic last played in the PSL in 2021, when then-owner Max Tshabalala sold the club’s status to controversial businesswoman and socialite Shauwn Mkhize, who renamed it Royal AM in honour of her son. Royal AM were kicked out of the league during the 2024/25 season, causing major upheaval within the PSL.

Understandably, many Celtic supporters remain sceptical about the new deal. One fan even referred to Siwelele FC as “Bloemfontein Celtic bought on Temu.”

A smart move for the new owners would be to open talks with the holders of the Bloemfontein Celtic trademarks, with the goal of reclaiming the iconic name and rebranding accordingly. As it stands for now, Bloemfontein will feature two clubs in the PSL as from 2025/26, with Marumo Gallants being the other.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh