Bloemfontein Celtic to make Sensational Return to the PSL in 2025/26

In a move that has reignited hope among South African football enthusiasts, Bloemfontein Celtic is making significant strides toward rejoining the Premier Soccer League (PSL) for the 2025/26 season. After a four-year hiatus from top-flight football, the beloved Free State club is poised for a remarkable comeback.

Photo cred: Soccer laduma

Bloemfontein Celtic, affectionately known as “Siwelele,” has been a cornerstone of South African football culture. The club’s passionate fan base and vibrant matchday atmospheres made it a unique presence in the PSL. However, in 2021, financial challenges led to the sale of the club’s top-flight status to businesswoman Shauwn Mkhize, resulting in the formation of Royal AM and Celtic’s relegation to the lower divisions.

In January 2025, Celtic announced its withdrawal from the ABC Motsepe League, signaling a strategic pivot. The club’s leadership expressed intentions to transfer its name and trademarks to a consortium aiming to secure a PSL franchise, effectively bypassing the traditional promotion route.

The revival of Celtic holds significant economic and cultural implications for the Free State. Opposition parties have highlighted the club’s potential to boost the local economy by attracting visitors and stimulating business activities.

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie confirmed these developments, stating, “There are people very close to me who are busy buying Bloemfontein Celtic… They are speaking to a particular club in the PSL to buy the franchise and take it to Bloemfontein”.