Kabelo Tlhabanelo
Bloemfontein Celtic supporters are determined to bring back the pride and joy of the province to get their team back to its former glory.
Now that Covid-19 restrictions have been eased, they will have fun walks, raffles, go knocking on doors and asking for donations.
With just over R160,000 currently in their bank account the supporters believe they could easily collect millions for their trust fund account.
Trust fund secretary Lazzie Mogotsi told the supporters: “We will have a fun walk around Bloemfontein so the residents will know that our campaign to buy the club has started.”
He said the name Bloemfontein Celtic was not an intellectual property of the current owner of the team playing in ABC Motsepe.
“We need to get the funds so that we claim the name back and the Government will also have to help us get the name back.”
He said if they don’t win, they will still use their famous regalia in their green and white colours and add letters at the end of Celtic, making it Celtics.
The supporters were made aware that if 25,000 supporters donate R200 each for six months they would have R30 million in the bank.
The packed Batho Community hall in Mangaung were happy to hear that they will also be paying entrance fees for every meeting.
Thabang Lesemole from Bochabela told Scrolla.Africa: “I will be one of the 25,000 supporters and gladly donate the R200. I have been selling at the stadium to support my kids and I need to see the team playing again.”
Maria Mokone said if the team doesn’t come back, Dr Molemela Stadium could become a den for thugs and thieves.
Chairperson of the Celtic supporters club Mabena Pule said he met with Lebo Mokoena who said he was still in the process of buying a struggling team which is in the first division and he was 70% certain of getting the team.
The supporters then donated some money at the meeting and they were later told they had managed to raise just over R3,000.
The delighted crowd left the hall and gathered at the intersection of the main road where they sang and danced and had cars hooting and joining in the celebrations.
