Free State government backs Eddie Modise Bloemfontein Celtic bid

Speaking exclusively to SABC Sport, Sifuba revealed that she has had meetings with Modise, and he’s now in the process of acquiring a status in the Motsepe Foundation Championship (NFD) in order to revive the famous green and white hoops.

Although football fans across the country were hoping to once again see Masokolara back in the top flight in the near future, it is understood that Modise and his consortium have instead opted for the second tier, and play their way into the premier division on merit.

“The name is now bought and the owner is in the process of getting into the National First Division. He believes buying a status at PSL [Betway Premiership] would not be a smart move. So the intention is to start at first division and work their way up," said Sifuba.

Pressed for whether she is privy to the finer details as to which particular club Modise is targeting and how far the process is, the former speaker of the Free State Legislature said their conversation has not yet revealed that, but confirmed that she is in full support as long as they have a team back in the professional ranks.

“Not yet, I’m going to have a meeting again with him some time to come to get an update. Our interest as the department is to finally get Bloem Celtic back in the game, so our support is important, not necessarily financially but otherwise needed,” she added.

“It’s important for people to know government cannot buy a club, but have a responsibility to support development and finally the clubs that belong to the province.”

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Earlier this year, Tshabalala announced that Bloemfontein Celtic were withdrawing from the ABC Motsepe League mid-season, in what was the first serious sign of a takeover and imminent PSL return.

Siwelele’s PSL status was bought by businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize back in 2021 and relocated the club to KZN, where it operated under the name Royal AM.

Their problems have been well documented in their short stint in professional football, and were eventually expelled in the middle of the just concluded 2024/25 season.