The impending sale of SuperSport United to a Bloemfontein consortium that’s said to have ties with sport minister Gayton McKenzie could divide football-loving people in the City of Roses.
This is because local businessman Edward “Eddie” Modise, who bought the Bloemfontein Celtic naming rights from former Celtic owner Max Tshabalala, has different plans for Phunya Sele Sele.
On Tuesday, reports emerged that SuperSport had already sold its Premiership status to a Bloemfontein consortium that’s affiliated with McKenzie, planning to rename the club “Celtic United” as they can’t call it Bloemfontein Celtic since Modise owns the naming rights.
Speaking to Sowetan on Tuesday, Modise made it clear that his plan was at an advanced stage to buy a second-tier club and name it Bloemfontein Celtic, meaning there’s a possibility that there could be three professional teams in the Free State capital next season, should the sale of SuperSport to the McKenzie-affiliated businesspeople materialise.
Marumo Gallants are currently the only club based there, having managed to enjoy strong support from Celtic supporters last season.
“The naming rights of Bloemfontein Celtic are done and dusted. I just want to buy the [Motsepe Foundation Championship] status, win the promotion and get into the Premiership,” Modise said.