Bloemfontein Celtic F.C.
| Full name | Bloemfontein Celtic Football Club | ||
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| Nickname(s) | Phunya Sele Sele, Siwelele | ||
| Founded | 1969, as Mangaung United | ||
| Ground | Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium, Bloemfontein | ||
| Capacity | 22,000 | ||
| Chairman | Max Tshabalala | ||
| Coach | Veselin Jelusic | ||
| League | ABSA Premiership | ||
| 2015–16 | ABSA Premiership, 11th | ||
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Bloemfontein Celtic is a South African football club based in Bloemfontein that plays in the Premier Soccer League.
Bloemfontein Celtic has a large fan base in the Free State. Siwelele, as Celtic's supporters are known, are arguably the most passionate in South Africa.
History
The club was founded by the late Norman Mathobisa and Victor Mahatane in 1969. Mahatane and Mathobisa administered the club until the early 1980s when financial challenges forced them to sell the club to Petrus "Whitehead" Molemela.[1]. 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.[2]
Max Tshabalala who also owns Roses United took over from Jimmy Augousti on 21 July 2014.[3]
Honours
- Mainstay Cup: 1985
- SAA Sup 8 Cup: 2005
- Telkom Charity Cup: 2007
- First Division Inland Stream: 2003–04
- Telkom Knockout: 2012
- Charity Showdown: 2014
Club records
- Most starts:
Willem Vries 306 - Most goals: Benjamin Reed 75
- Most capped player:
Lehlohonolo Seema - Most starts in a season: Jeffrey Lekgetla 39 (1992)
- Most goals in a season: Troy Saila 20 (1987)
- Record victory: 8–0 vs University of Stellenbosch (26/2/14, Nedbank Cup)
- Record defeat: 0–6 vs Kaizer Chiefs (29/3/91, NSL)
Premier Soccer League record
- 1996–97 – 10th
- 1997–98 – 12th
- 1998–99 – 7th
- 1999–00 – 14th
- 2000–01 – 17th
- 2004–05 – 8th
- 2005–06 – 10th
- 2006–07 – 8th
- 2007–08 – 11th
- 2008–09 – 14th
- 2009–10 – 6th
- 2010–11 – 5th
- 2011–12 – 8th
- 2012–13 – 5th
- 2013–14 – 6th
Club officials/Technical team
- Chairman: Lebo Makgae
- MD: Rali Ramabodu
- CEO: Khumbulani Konco
- Team manager:
John Maduka - Coach:
Veselin Jelusic - Assistant coach: Lehlohonolo Seema & Fadlu Davids
- Goalkeeper coach: Andre Bronkhorst
- Head of youth development: Molefi Ntseki
First team squad
As of 29 July 2016.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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On loan
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Foreigners
In the South African PSL, only five non-South African nationals can be registered. Foreign players who have acquired permanent residency can be registered as locals. Namibians born before 1990 can be registered as South Africans.
- permanent residency
Shirt sponsor & kit manufacturer
Chairmen
Norman Mathobisa and Victor Mahatanya (1969–1984)- Petros Molemela (1984– November 2001)
- Jimmy Augousti (November 2001– 21 July 2014)
- Max Tshabalala (21 July 2014–
Coaches
- Milo Bjelica (1990–1991)
Paul Dolezar (2005–06)- Tony De Nobrega (2006–07)
- Khabo Zondo (1 July 2007 – 9 April 2008)
- David Modise (interim) (April 2008 – June 8)
- Mich d'Avray (1 July 2008 – 27 Dec 2008)
- Owen Da Gama (28 Dec 2008 – 30 June 2010)
- Clinton Larsen (9 Aug 2010 – 7 Oct 2013)
Ernst Middendorp (11 Oct 2013 – 15 Dec 2014)- Clinton Larsen (15 Dec 2014–2015)