On Thursday afternoon, the team, which acquired SuperSport United’s Premier Soccer League status during the off-season, was finally unveiled to their die-hard fans at a packed Hoffman Square in the city centre. You could easily be forgiven for thinking you were back at a classic Bloemfontein Celtic match, with the traditional club songs ringing out, many of them led by none other than the team’s coach, Lehlohonolo Seema. 

A Celtic legend in his own right, Seema captained the team with distinction during his playing days and began his coaching career at the once-feared club.

Ntate Victor Mahatanya. Photo: Morgan Piek

The last surviving founding father of Bloemfontein Celtic, Ntate Victor Mahatanya, the man widely credited with playing a pivotal role in the professionalisation of football in South Africa, has given the new club name, Siwelele FC, his full blessing.

“Presently, I would say I’m satisfied with the name, because Bloemfontein Celtic is still Siwelele,” said Mahatanya during the Marumo Gallants season launch on Wednesday night.

“It was called Siwelele, so until our problem is solved, I’ll still be happy with Siwelele.”

Phunya Sele Sele are back and @Siwelele_FC coach Lehlohonolo Seema believes that the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium will once again become the Slaughterhouse #Football #PSL #Siwelele pic.twitter.com/FOzUhWbEDj

— OFM Sport (@OFMSport) August 7, 2025

Seema, in turn, told OFM Sport Siwelele is back. His players have now been exposed to the team's culture and the city, and there’s more to come when they take on Golden Arrows in their opening match on Saturday.

“You can see the excitement here, you can see how happy the people are, you’d think there’s a match on today, but it’s just an ordinary Thursday,” said Seema.

“That shows how long these people have been waiting for a day like this. From the players’ side, I’m happy they’ve experienced this now, so that they won’t be overwhelmed on Saturday.

The @Siwelele_FC coach Lehlohonolo Seema showing his players how it is done in Bloemfontein #Football #Siwelele #PSL pic.twitter.com/DtLNSt4v7W

— OFM Sport (@OFMSport) August 7, 2025

“They’ve seen the numbers and the kind of support we have, and come Saturday, there’ll be a lot more. We’re more than happy.”

Seema said while the name may have changed, Siwelele is far more than just a name; it’s a way of life, and that hasn’t changed one bit.

“Siwelele is a culture. What we saw today proves that the culture hasn’t changed. The other team in Bloemfontein will see it, and the whole PSL will feel it.”

Lyle Lakay sporting the new Siwelele FC home strip. Photo: Morgan Piek

The squad unveiled on Thursday consists mostly of players who represented SuperSport United until the end of last season, including the likes of Lyle Lakay and Ricardo Goss. New signings include seasoned players such as Buhle Mkhwanazi, Relebogile Mokhuoane, Thabo Makhele, and Wayde Lekay.

Siwelele have already proven they have the support and the culture, and now, the big test comes on Saturday when they kick off their new campaign against Arrows in Bloemfontein.

Saturday’s match at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Rocklands kicks off at 20:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg