Max Tshabalala has confirmed to Soccer Laduma that he has completed the purchase of Bloemfontein Celtic FC.
"It's official," Max Tshabalala told Soccer-Laduma. "I'm excited about being with the big boys in the PSL. I need support from you guys as it's a big challenge which I'm taking on," he said.
"I want to thank the Augousti's (Demetri 'Jimmy' and Ikie) for what they’ve done for me. The deal has been very smooth and from tomorrow I'll be with Ikie at the office to sort out the contracts of both the players and admin staff. The Augousti’s will be with me until the end of the month. The technical team remains as it is."
There has been a lot of speculation regarding the sale of the Mangaung-based club, with Tshabalala said to be one of the favourites to land the ownership of the club. Celtic was founded in 1969 as Mangaung United FC.
In 1984, businessman, Ntate Petros Molemela, took over the club and changed the name to Bloemfontein Celtic. In November 2001, after the club’s relegation, Ntate Molemela sold his shares in the club to Jimmy Augousti, a former Celtic player.
However, it seems Roses United owner Tshabalala has now taken over the club, with the news also announced on the official Roses Twitter page, “Bloemfontein Celtic is officially owned by Max Tshabalala and family Roses United fc Chairperson of @RosesUnitedfc as affect from today.”
The Siya crew put a call through to Celtic management, who would not confirm that the deal has been completed yet.
