Popular Free State businessman Eddie Modise says that those who want to use the Bloemfontein Celtic name must approach him to discuss a way forward.
Modise was speaking after reports that a consortium, which consists of Gayton McKenzie, the Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, was finalising the purchase of SuperSport United and was planning to change its name to Celtic United FC.
This has enraged Modise, who bought the naming rights (of Bloemfontein Celtic) from Max Tshabalala, the former Siwelele sa Masele owner who sold the status of the club to Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize, who later renamed the club Royal AM.
Modise spent in the region of R5-million for purchasing the name.
He said those who are buying the franchise of Matsatsantsa a Pitori could have approached him to chart a way forward for the sake of the football-loving people of Bloemfontein and surrounding areas.
Willing to negotiate
Modise told Sunday World: “If people doubt my legitimacy over the Bloemfontein Celtic ownership, they can check with Cipro [Companies and Intellectual Property Registration Office]. I am the owner 100%.
“I have been reading the stories, and I do not know who these people are. I was not even approached by people with a common goal.
“If I was approached, I would listen, and I am willing to negotiate for the sake of the football-loving people of the province; I would not hide.”
He continued: “I am told that the people are in a consortium with the honourable minister McKenzie. But I say they cannot bring back the club without the name.
“What they are doing is not honourable; there are so many names they can call it. Why do they want to call it Celtic United? This is not done in good faith.”
Modise also mentioned that his plan is to acquire a club in the National First Division and promote it to the prestigious Betway Premiership, rather than taking shortcuts by purchasing Premier Soccer League status outright.
But he is willing to negotiate with potential suitors in the meantime.
