Bloemfontein Celtic is a South African football (soccer) 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.
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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.[1] The most prominent part of the Youth Academy, being the U19 team, was established by August 2010 with the name Celtic Colts. They started out directly to compete at the third level of South African football in Vodacom League, after having bougth the franchise status of Hellas. Celtic Colts are managed by Marco Augousti, and coached by David Modise and George Nechironga. Home venue of the team is Westdene Stadium in Bloemfontein. Main role for the U19 team, is of course to scout the best talents within the Free State province, and then train them to become established professional players, acting as a feeding team for the Bloemfontein Celtic PSL squad.[2]
The U19 squad comprise as of August 2010:[2] Katlego Rasebdai, Gomotso Mofokeng, Frank Maqam, Thabiso Sbusi, Jim kerrington, Chris Figuiera, Dumisani Tjemolane, Khothatso Makheti, Thabiso Mosasa, Godfrey Neels, Orapeleng Thulo, Keletso Mosime, Jacob Mabuza, Jarred Meyer, Jurrie Groenewald, Ricco Sutil, Kadi Paul, Itumeleng Makatane, Ntema Khatlake, Sibusiso Khumalo, Thabiso Moshebi, Bongani Gabuza, Modise Motsaone, Lonwaba Sokudela, Teshes Bongani, Mohobane van Heerden, Mogamad Kajee.
[edit] Honours
- Mainstay Cup winners: 1985
- SAA Sup 8 Cup winners: 2005
- Mangaung Cup: 2009, 2010
- Telkom Charity Cup: 2007
- First Division Inland Stream champions: 2003/04
[edit] Club records
[edit] Premier Soccer League record
[edit] Club officials/Technical team
- Chairman and MD:
Jimmy Augousti
- CEO: Khumbulani Konco
- Team manager:
John Maduka
- Coach: Clinton Larsen
- Assistant coach: Molefi Ntseki
- Goalkeeper coach: Andre Bronkhorst
- Head of youth development: David Modise
[edit] 2011–12 First team squad
As of October 25, 2011 Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
[edit] On loan
Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
[edit] Foreigners
In the South African PSL, only five non-South African nationals can be registered. Players who also hold South African citizenship do not count as foreigners.
MTN
[edit] References
[edit] External links
Clinton Larsen
Lehlohonolo Seema
