Bloemfontein Celtic F.C.

Bloemfontein Celtic Football Club (simply known as Celtic) is a South African professional football club based in Bloemfontein that plays in the Premier Soccer League, the first tier of the South African football league system. Bloemfontein Celtic has a large fan base in the Free State. Its supporters are known as Siwelele. The team plays its home matches in Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium.

Bloemfontein Celtic
Full nameBloemfontein Celtic Football Club
Nickname(s)Phunya Sele Sele, Siwelele
Founded1969 (1969), as Mangaung United
GroundDr. Petrus Molemela Stadium, Bloemfontein
Capacity22,000
ChairmanMax Tshabalala
Coach Lehlohonolo Seema
LeagueABSA Premiership
2018–19ABSA Premiership, 9th

History

The club was founded by Norman Mathobisa and Victor Mahatane in 1969. They administered the club until the early 1980s when financial challenges forced them to sell the club to Petrus "Whitehead" Molemela.[1] In November 2001, after the relegation of Phunya Sele Sele, Molemela sold his shares in the club to Demetri "Jimmy" Augousti, a former Celtic player.

After only three years out of the top-flight, the club regained its PSL status with an impressive season in 2003–04 when they were crowned First Division champions. They also managed to win the 2005 SAA Supa 8 and the 2007 Telkom Charity Cup.

In 2009 they formed a partnership with Portuguese club Sporting CP, that included the creation of a youth academy, based in the capital of the Free State.[2]

Max Tshabalala, who also owns Roses United, took over from Augousti on 21 July 2014.[3]

Honours
  • Mainstay Cup: 1985
  • SAA Sup 8 Cup: 2005
  • Telkom Charity Cup: 2007
  • First Division Inland Stream: 2003–04
  • Telkom Knockout: 2012
  • Charity Showdown: 2014

Club records
  • Most starts: Willem Vries 306
  • Most goals: Benjamin Reed 75
  • Most capped player: Lehlohonolo Seema
  • Most starts in a season: Jeffrey Lekgetla 39 (1992)
  • Most goals in a season: Troy Saila 20 (1987)
  • Record victory: 8–0 vs University of Stellenbosch (26/2/14, Nedbank Cup)
  • Record defeat: 0–6 vs Kaizer Chiefs (29/3/91, NSL)

Premier Soccer League record

Club officials/technical team
  • Chairman: Max Tshabalala
  • MD: Rali Ramabodu
  • CEO: Khumbulani Konco
  • Team manager: John Maduka
  • Coach: Lehlohonolo Seema
  • Goalkeeper coach: Andre Bronkhorst
  • Head of youth development: Molefi Ntseki
  • Sports Scientist: Molaoa Pakiso

First team squad
As of 8 October 2019

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Position Player
2 DF Mpusana Tani
3 DF Mzwanele Mahashe
5 DF Wandisile Letlabika
7 MF Maloisane Ramasimong
8 MF Lantshene Phalane
9 FW Sera Motebang
10 FW Ndumiso Mabena
11 FW Tebogo Potsane
12 MF Neo Maema
13 MF Siphelele Luthuli
14 FW Tumelo Njoti
15 DF Ronald Pfumbidzai
16 GK Jackson Mabokgwane
17 FW Rendani Ndou
18 MF Given Mashikinya
19 DF Sello Matjila
20 MF Ryan De Jongh
No. Position Player
21 MF Victor Letsoalo
22 DF Mbhazima Rikhotso
23 MF Tumiso Mogakwe
24 DF Thato Lingwati
25 DF Justice Chabalala
26 MF Sifiso Ngobeni
27 FW Harris Tchilimbou
28 DF Teboho Khasipe
29 MF Tumelo Mangweni
31 GK Sipho Chaine
32 GK Mondli Mpoto
33 MF Jacky Motshegwa
34 MF Andile Fikizolo
35 MF Lucky Baloyi
36 DF Aviwe Nyamende
50 MF Menzi Masuku

Kit manufacturer

Chairmen
  • Norman Mathobisa and Victor Mahatanya (1969–1984)
  • Petros Molemela (1984– November 2001)
  • Jimmy Augousti (November 2001– 21 July 2014)
  • Max Tshabalala (21 July 2014–)

Coaches

References
  1. "Celtic co-founder Mathobisa mourned". The Sowetan.
  2. Bloemfontein Celtic FC (2009). "Academy: New academy to improve Celtic football".
  3. "Max Tshabala Says He Is The New Bloem Celtic Owner". soccerladuma.co.za.
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