Former Celtic owner Molemela dies

FORMER Bloemfontein Celtic owner Dr Petrus Molemela has passed away at the age of 83‚ the club confirmed yesterday.

Molemela had served as honorary life president of the team having been instrumental in its foundation when he purchased the status of Mangaung United and changed the club’s name to Bloemfontein Celtic in 1975.

Molemela was in charge of the club for 26 years until he sold his shares to former Celtic player Jimmy Augousti in 2001, following the team’s relegation to the National First Division.

“We have lost a stalwart and mentor‚” Celtic CEO Khumbulani Konco said yesterday.

“Since he was made life president of the club‚ he frequented our offices and remained very interested in our fortunes. He would come in to talk to us and motivate us.

“He also spoke a lot to the players‚ which really helped them. He was fearless in the way he built Bloemfontein Celtic into what it is today. We have lost a great leader.”

The confirmation of Molemela’s passing by Celtic yesterday immediately drew a response from the Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula.

“Sad news of the passing of Bloemfontein Celtic founder Ntate Dr Petrus Molemela. May his legendary spirit and soul RIP‚” Mbalula tweeted.

South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan added his condolences.

Celtic’s newly refurbished home ground‚ formerly the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium‚ was named after Molemela in 2015. New Life I feel happy the game will be played in SA because it means most South African supporters can support it unlike if it was an away game and that will motivate the team. Port Alfred Bafana will win 2-0.