Bloemfontein Celtic Revival In The Works As SuperSport United Reportedly Sold For R50 Million

SuperSport United FC has been sold to a Bloemfontein businessman for R50 million, paving the way for the rebirth of the beloved Bloemfontein Celtic. The announcement, broken by renowned sports journalist Robert Marawa, confirms that the club will now operate under the new name "Celtic United."

The sale marks the end of an era for SuperSport United, a Tshwane-based club that has been a fixture in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) since 1994, known for nurturing top talent and delivering competitive performances. 

The move signals a revival for Bloemfontein Celtic, a Free State giant with a passionate fanbase known as Siwelele. However, The club’s former owner, the late Petros Molemela, died with the title deed, and the new owners are unable to legally use the name hence the launch of Celtic United. 

Founded in 1969, Celtic had competed in the PSL until financial woes forced it to sell its status to now Royal AM in 2021.

This transaction underscores the fragile financial landscape of South African football. According to a May 2025 report by the Daily Maverick, over 40% of PSL clubs operate at a loss, highlighting the unsustainable model that has seen historic teams like Wits and now SuperSport relinquish their top-flight status.