Komphela’s Celtic in good start to season
BELEAGUERED Bloemfontein Celtic got their new league campaign off to the best possible start in registering a 2-0 win over Chippa United in an Absa Premiership match played at the Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein yesterday.
Celtic, whose franchise has been under the cloud of a potential sale, allegedly to Mangaung United (ABC Motsepe League) owner Sinki Leshebane, took the lead in the 41st minute when midfielder Tebogo Potsane’s left-footed effort gave Chippa goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi no chance.
In the 56th minute, Celtic doubled their lead from the penalty spot after an infringement by Thabo Nthethe. Striker Tshegofatso Mabaso slotted home the penalty kick. Victory could not have been sweeter for Celtic, now under the mentorship of former Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela, and the scoreline could well have been more had the hosts finished all their chances.
Daine Klate, an off-season signing from Bidvest Wits, had a high workrate in the Chippa midfield, but there were simply not enough chances created for Chippa.
Chippa’s experienced midfielder Kurt Leintjies nearly pulled a goal back in the final moments of the second half with his seemingly soft-angled cross dipping enough to force Patrick Tignyemb to tip the ball over the crossbar.
Celtic will pack their bags for their next leagueouting against Arrows in Durban on Wednesday, while Chippa host Pirates on the same day.
• Meanwhile, it’s been rumoured that Leshabane could be named as the new club owner of Bloemfontein Celtic.
Celtic has been put on sale by club owner Max Tshabalala due to financial problems. Siwelele players are yet to receive their salaries from last month, while others are still owed signing on fees from last season. Tshabalala is set to hand the team to the new owner next week, believed to Leshebane, who currently owns ABC Motsepe outfit Mangaung United FC.
“The deal is close from being finalised,” said a source.
“Sinki Leshabane has been touted as the candidate to take ownership of the club,” he added.