South African superfan Botha Msila says for Marumo Gallants to change their name to Bloemfontein Celtic next season, they would have to pop out R4-million to Max Tshabalala.
This is at the back of the Gallants confirming that they will be taking their home games next season to Bloemfontein after acquiring the DStv Premiership status of Moroka Swallows recently.
Tshabalala, who is the chairman of Celtic, denied Botha’s allegations. He reserves the right to the name of the club that currently plies its trade in the ABC Motsepe amateur division.
Tshabalala broke the hearts of many football fans in Free State when he decided to sell the club’s status to Shauwn Mkhize’s Royal AM in 2021 for R50-million.
Msila, who is a die-hard Celtic fan, will now finally have a club that he calls home in Gallants. He’s been club-less for years.
Having a PSL club playing in Bloemfontein
The Siwelele supporter said retaining the Celtic name would be a bonus, but it will come at a hefty price. This despite emphasising that having a PSL club playing in Bloemfontein is the most important thing.
“In the meantime, we are trying to squeeze the hand of Mr Tshabalala. We are trying to convince him [to sell the Bloemfontein Celtic name]. Because the last time we had a conversation, he said he was willing to sell the name for about R4-million,” Msila said.
“But we will settle for anything, even if Mr [Abram] Sello keeps the Marumo Gallants name, it is fine. What matters the most is that we will be having a team in our province.
“But if Mr Max Tshabalala says ‘guys, I have changed my mind and let me give you what belongs to you’ which is Bloem Celtic, it will be a bonus for us.
“But anything that comes, we will support it. And it is up to us as fans to take care of our baby called Marumo Gallants. And everyone needs to contribute equally to grow it and make sure it becomes the future of our province.”
Tshabalala denies talk of selling
Speaking to Sunday World on Friday, Tshabalala denied the allegations that he is willing to sell. He denied that he has put a R4-million price tag on the Celtic name.
“No, I don’t know anything of that nature. I have never been on any platform or meeting discussing Bloemfontein Celtic,” he insisted.
“Nobody has spoken or approached me about anything. Even the price tag that is being mentioned, I don’t know anything about it.”
Gallants have since announced that they will be holding a press conference next week on Tuesday. They will give clarity on everything, including the name change and taking their home games to Bloemfontein next season.
