Earlier this month, Siwelele acquired the PSL status of SuperSport United to relocate the club to the Free State and build on the legacy of Bloemfontein Celtic. The club did mention that the move to Bloemfontein would be a gradual process, and for now, their headquarters will remain in Pretoria. Most of Siwelele’s home matches, however, are expected to be played in Bloemfontein.

That said, Siwelele will kick off their season in Pretoria, where they will face Golden Arrows at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville – the long-time home ground of SuperSport United. Coincidentally, the final match of the 2024/25 season was also between SuperSport and Golden Arrows at this very venue.

Siphelele Luthuli in action at the Toyota Stadium against Kaizer Chiefs during the glory days of Bloemfontein Celtic. Photo: Morgan Piek

That particular match had to be completed on a different day after it was initially called off at half-time due to loadshedding. The result ultimately spared SuperSport from having to contest the promotion-relegation playoffs.

While it is understandable that relocating from Pretoria to Bloemfontein is a major undertaking that takes time, local football fans in the Free State will be disappointed that at least the first match won’t be played in their city.

The match will take place on Friday, 9 August, with kick-off set for 20:00.

The Bafana Bafana skipper and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Neo Maema is one of Siwelele FC's big signing targets ahead of the season. The Bloemfontein-born-and-bred player started his career at Bloemfontein Celtic. Photo: Morgan Piek

Meanwhile, Bloemfontein’s more established PSL club, Marumo Gallants, will start their campaign on the road. They will take on Richards Bay FC at the uMhlathuze Sports Complex on the same day, with kick-off at 15:00.

Both the Toyota Stadium and the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium are available on the opening weekend of the PSL season, as the Toyota Cheetahs will be away in Durban against the Sharks for their third-round Currie Cup clash that same weekend. Hence, the decision to kick off the season in Atteridgeville is somewhat perplexing, especially as winning the hearts and minds of the Phunya Sele Sele is essential.

Masindi Confidence Nemtajela celebrates his goal against Orlando Pirates in Bloemfontein. He will be playing for the Buccaneers from next season. Photo: Morgan Piek

However, on Sunday, 3 August, Siwelele will give local fans a taste of what’s to come when they play a warm-up match against newly promoted Orbit College FC from Rustenburg at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium. This friendly game at the Slaughterhouse in Rocklands is set to kick off at 15:00.

PSL First Round Fixtures:

Saturday, 9 August

15:00 – Chippa United vs Mamelodi Sundowns, Buffalo City Stadium – East London

15:00 – AmaZulu FC vs Orbit College FC, Moses Mabhida Stadium – Durban

15:00 – Polokwane City vs Magesi FC, Old Peter Mokaba Stadium – Polokwane

15:00 – Richards Bay FC vs Marumo Gallants, uMhlathuze Sports Complex – Richards Bay

17:30 – Orlando Pirates vs Sekhukhune United, Orlando Stadium – Soweto

20:00 – Siwelele FC vs Golden Arrows, Lucas Moripe Stadium – Atteridgeville

Sunday, 10 August

15:00 – TS Galaxy vs Durban City FC, Mbombela Stadium – Nelspruit

17:30 – Stellenbosch FC vs Kaizer Chiefs, Athlone Stadium – Cape Town

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs