Can Bloemfontein Celtic make a PSL comeback through Royal AM's demise?

With the news that Royal AM are set to be sold by the South African Revenue Service to recoup some of the R40 million that owner Shauwn Mkhize owns in taxes, many fans have been clamouring for the revival of storied club Bloemfontein Celtic.

Punya Sele Sele sold their top-flight status to Mkhize’s Royal AM before the start of the 2021/22 season and have been campaigning in the lower leagues of South African football.

But with Royal AM’s precarious situation, they could soon find themselves back in the Betway Premiership.

For much of the PSL-era, Bloemfontein Celtic was known for having some of the most passionate support. Week in, week out, their green-and-white clash fans followed the team wherever they played.

And in recent years, despite their not playing in the PSL, the club’s fans have continued to attend games in their colours. When Kaizer Chiefs took on Young Africans in Bloemfontein in pre-season, they were there. When Bafana Bafana played an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in the City of Roses, they were there.

It there comes as no surprise that fans would like to see the team back in the league.

“I hope whoever buys Royal AM, will consider returning Bloemfontein Celtic to its rightful home and restoring a beloved piece of South African football heritage,” content creator Mbali Ndlela said on X.

On the IOL News Facebook page, a number of comments voiced their support of restoring Bloemfontein Celtic’s status.

The club’s return was even supported by sports minister Gayton McKenzie, who earlier this month said, "I had such an emotional encounter with Botha, the number one Siwelele supporter, I gave him my absolute word that Siwelele is coming back. 

"I told him that I can vouch with my life for the people who are bringing Siwelele back to the Free State. Many tried and failed but this Group will not fail. Exciting times ahead."

However, despite fans holding on to sentiment and nostalgia when it comes to Celtic, they should remember that the club was poorly run by owner Sinki Leshabane, who is still at the helm after buying it from Max Tshabalala in 2018.

Before the club’s demise, they were experiencing the exact same issues that Royal AM are facing today. In 2018, while under the reign of Tshabalala, the club’s future was put in jeopardy by the owner owing the taxman R43 million. And in 2021, players were often paid their salaries late.

If Bloemfontein Celtic is revived, the new owners will have a long list of things they should not do.

IOL Sport