BLOEMFONTEIN Celtic, one of South Africa’s most beloved football clubs, are on the verge of making a remarkable comeback to the Premier Soccer League (PSL), as revealed by Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie.
The club, once a dominant force on the domestic scene, sold their PSL status in 2021 to businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize, who rebranded the team as Royal AM and relocated their base from the Free State to KwaZulu-Natal, leaving a passionate fanbase in Bloemfontein heartbroken.
Since financial troubles under former chairman Max Tshabalala forced the sale, Celtic have struggled in lower divisions but now appear set for a dramatic return to top-flight football.
The latest development comes after Celtic recently withdrew from the ABC Motsepe League, citing plans to re-enter the PSL through a new consortium.
McKenzie confirmed these intentions, saying on Marawa Sports Worldwide: “There are people very close to me who are busy buying Bloemfontein Celtic. Busy talking to a franchise in the PSL.
“People very close to me because they want to bring Celtic back to Bloemfontein. When I spoke to them, they said they bought a company and have been given [up to] end of January to come with a yay or nay. They are speaking to a particular club in the PSL to buy the franchise and take it to Bloemfontein.”
Royal AM have faced mounting challenges, including a R40 million tax bill from the South African Revenue Service, which led to the seizure of luxury cars from Mkhize’s residence.
The club is also under a transfer ban due to an unpaid R15 million owed to former player Samir Nurkovic and has missed salary payments for November and December.
These financial woes prompted the PSL to suspend all Royal AM fixtures indefinitely.
McKenzie indicated that attempts to repurchase Celtic from Mkhize were unsuccessful, leading the consortium to explore other PSL clubs.
“They have spoken to the lady and the negotiations were not successful hence they are speaking to another club,” the minister said.
“These are people I can vouch for integrity wise. They are not in football but all of us from Bloemfontein understand one thing, come hell or what, Bloemfontein Celtic has to come back.”
Formed in 1969, Bloemfontein Celtic have seen highs and lows, including a relegation in 2001 followed by a triumphant return to the PSL three years later.
The club’s legacy and immense support in the Free State have fuelled widespread excitement about their potential revival.
McKenzie, a proud native of Bloemfontein’s Heidedal suburb, has been vocal about his desire to restore Celtic’s status in South African football.
His latest remarks suggest that the wait for Siwelele – the club’s passionate supporters – may soon be over.