After Bloemfontein was left in the footballing wilderness for years following Max Tshabalala’s controversial sale of Bloemfontein Celtic’s PSL status to the now-defunct Royal AM, Marumo Gallants relocated from Polokwane to the city ahead of the 2024/25 season. The team received a warm welcome and solid support throughout the campaign, and despite a challenging season, they managed to finish 10th on the log. They also reached the semi-finals of both the Carling Knockout Cup and the Nedbank Cup.

Super fan @BothaMsila has no doubt that @Siwelele_FC will be a force to reckoned with during the 2025/26 season #Football #PSL #Siwelele pic.twitter.com/nsVerik9kE

— OFM Sport (@OFMSport) August 9, 2025

During the off-season, young businessman Calvin Le John purchased the PSL status of SuperSport United and rebranded Matsatsantsa A Pitori as Siwelele FC. He was unable to name the club Bloemfontein Celtic, as the name and trademarks belong to another businessman, Edward Modise, who has his own plans for the club.

Instead, Le John chose the name Siwelele, a beloved nickname of Bloemfontein Celtic. Siwelele is more than just a name – it represents a culture, one of the richest in South African football.

The Phunya Sele Sele faithful. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Marumo raised their hand and gave us a chance – a chance to taste football again because we were thirsty for the game in the province,” said Msila.

“Marumo became part of us, and we enjoyed football with them.

“We sang a song saying we wanted to see our team back – Bloemfontein Celtic. Fortunately, Gayton Mackenzie and his family stepped up to buy Siwelele Football Club, giving us one of our own.

“As fans, we chose to stay away from the politics surrounding Bloemfontein Celtic. Those matters belonged in boardrooms. For us, having Siwelele Football Club – the train that is moving – was what mattered. We climbed aboard because the people of the Free State were hungry and thirsty for football.

Die-hard fan @BothaMsila believes the upcoming and historic Bloemfontein derby between @_Marumogallants and @Siwelele_FC will take it to the next level #Football #PSL #Siwelele pic.twitter.com/BQb93YU7GA

— OFM Sport (@OFMSport) August 9, 2025

“Thanks to Mackenzie and Calvin Le John, Siwelele Football Club was born – a name given by the fans themselves, embracing the identity we cherish.

“Marumo Gallants will continue to play in Bloemfontein, and soon the people of the Free State will enjoy a derby right here, without having to travel far. Football is coming home!”

The colourful Msila said Marumo is now part of their DNA, and it will remain that way unless the club decides to find a new home elsewhere, which is highly unlikely.

Another happy Phunya Sele Sele fan - the day many have dreamt about is finally here. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We have accepted Marumo as one of us. We accepted Marumo as family. We accepted Marumo as our brother, our son, our mother, and everything. So Marumo is still part of us. We are not going to chase Marumo away.”

On Saturday, Marumo Gallants will kick off their 2025/26 campaign when they face Richards Bay away in Durban, with kick-off at King Zwelithini Stadium at 15:00. Later that evening, at 20:00, Siwelele will play their historic first home game when they take on Lamontville Golden Arrows at Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg