Bloem Celtic
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- South Africa Premier 149 South Africa Cup 20 CAF Confederations Cup 6 South Africa League Cup 4 South Africa Supa 8 Cup 3
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Wikipedia - Bloemfontein Celtic F.C.
Bloemfontein Celtic Football Club (simply known as Celtic) is a South African amateur football club based in Bloemfontein that competes in the ABC Motsepe League, the third tier of the South African football league system.
Bloemfontein Celtic had a large fan base in the Free State before selling their Premiership franchise to Royal AM before the start of the 2021–22 South African Premier Division season.
Its supporters were known as Siwelele.
History
The club was founded by Norman Mathobisa and Victor Mahatane in 1969. They administered the club until the early 1980s when financial challenges forced them to sell the club to Petrus "Whitehead" Molemela. In November 2001, after the relegation of Phunya Sele Sele, Molemela sold his shares in the club to Demetri "Jimmy" Augousti, a former Celtic player.
After only three years out of the top-flight, the club regained its PSL status with an impressive season in 2003–04 when they were crowned First Division champions. They also managed to win the 2005 SAA Supa 8 and the 2007 Telkom Charity Cup.
In 2009 they formed a partnership with Portuguese club Sporting CP, that included the creation of a youth academy, based in the capital of the Free State.
Max Tshabalala, who also owns Roses United, took over from Augousti on 21 July 2014.
Bloem Celtic has had success in domestic competitions, including winning the Telkom Knockout Cup in 2012. The team has also competed in continental competitions such as the CAF Confederation Cup.
The team plays their home matches at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium, which has a capacity of over 20,000 spectators. Bloem Celtic has a strong youth development program and has produced several talented players who have gone on to play for top clubs in South Africa and abroad.
Overall, Bloem Celtic is a respected and competitive team in South African soccer, with a proud history and a bright future ahead.