Historic day for Bloemfontein Celtic

For the first time in four years Bloemfontein Celtic, has a home, with the official handing over of the Dr Molemela stadium.

“Today for the Celtic is a historic one,” said team owner Max Tshabalala. “I must thank government and all the team’s loyal supporters. Our philosophy is not just words. We are studying to win. It is always our objective to be number one.”

“It is also a real pleasure to be able to honour Dr Molemela for his contribution to the Celtic. His contribution to the club and to the sport makes naming this stadium after him an honour he has earned and deserves.”

Bloemfontein Celtic has a large fan base in the Free State and its supporters are arguably among the most passionate in South Africa.

The club was founded by the late Norman Mathobisa and Victor Mahatanya in 1969 as Mangaung United and both men administered the club until the early 1980s, when financial issues forced them to sell the club to Dr Petrus ‘Whitehead’ Molemela. When Molemela took over the club in 1984, he changed the name to Bloemfontein Celtic after Celtic FC based in Glasgow, Scotland.

In November 2001, Molemela sold his shares in the club to Demetri ‘Jimmy’ Augousti, a former Celtic player.

After only three years out of the top-flight, Bloemfontein Celtic regained its PSL status when an impressive 2003-2004 season saw them crowned First Division champions.

The owner of Bloemfontein Celtic is now Max Tshabalala, who also owns Roses United. He took over the Celtics from Jimmy Augousti in 2014.

Honours taken by the team include the Mainstay Cup in 1985, SAA Sup 8 Cup in 2005, the Telkom Charity Cup in 2007, the Telkom Knockout in 2012 and the Charity Showdown in 2014.