Bloemfontein Celtic could be sold to a Russian consortium

With the club’s well documented financial troubles, a Russian consortium is reportedly interested in buying Bloemfontein Celtic.

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) side has been rumoured to be put on sale and the club bosses subsequently confirmed the news, but said they were looking for a buyer from the Free State province.

According to latest reports, Siwelele could have new owners just before the start of the 2018/19 PSL season with Russian businessmen having shown an interest.

Following the club’s financial woes, they have already parted ways with coach Veselin Jelusic, who resigned last month.

The reports emerged that the Serbian mentor was owed salaries and decided to buy a single ticket going home at the end of the previous season, signalling his intention to leave the club.

Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Steve Komphela has since taken the reigns as new coach and is working with assistant coaches Lehlohonolo Seema, John Maduka and goalkeeper coach Simon Gopane.

Apart from the coach having been owed money, the club made headlines last season and in the past few days with some of the players complaining about unpaid salaries and bonuses.

Meanwhile, Rendani Ndou has reportedly joined Phunya Sele Sele on a two-year contract on Monday as the Daily Sun reports after training with the Mangaung-based club for a week.

On the other hand, chairman Max Tshabalala admitted to having difficulties in managing the club’s day-to-day running and considered selling.

The website has it that there was no training session on Tuesday as players went on strike because they haven’t received their salaries for the last four months.

Moreover, a Northern Cape businessman was rumoured to have bought the club for more than R60 million, but a Russian consortium has shown interest in taking over at Celtic.

“The Russians have already contacted the club but want it to remain in the Free State where it is today,” a source told Daily Sun.

“I am not sure whether these guys are already in the country or not. They have not signed anything yet but prices have been discussed, including the club bus. I understand it amounts to a package deal of R65 million,” said the informer.

“They want the club to remain in Bloemfontein under the same leadership and managers. They just want own and fund the club,” concluded the insider.