Bloemfontein Celtic F.C.

Bloemfontein Celtic is a South African football club based in Bloemfontein, founded in 1969 as Mangaung United, and renamed in 1984 to its current name. The club currently compete in Premier Soccer League, and selected Seisa Ramabodu Stadium as their home venue. Starting from 2010, they have also fielded an U19 team, named the Bloemfontein Celtic Colts -or just Celtic Colts. The U19 side, currently compete in Vodacom League, and selected Westdene Stadium as home venue.

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 in 1969 as Mangaung United FC. In 1984 businessman Petros Molemela took over the club and changed the name to Bloemfontein Celtic (after Celtic F.C.). 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.

Celtic Colts

In 2009 they formed a partnership with Portuguese club Sporting CP, that includes the creation of a Youth Academy, based in the capital of the Free State. The most prominent part of the Youth Academy, being the U19 team, was established by August...
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