Irvin khoza

Orlando Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza addresses the media. Picture: Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix

Bloemfontein Celtic’s sale CONFIRMED by PSL as club relocates to KwaZulu-Natal

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has confirmed the sale of Bloemfontein Celtic to Royal AM ahead of the 2021/22 DStv Premiership season.

Irvin khoza

Orlando Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza addresses the media. Picture: Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has confirmed the sale of Bloemfontein Celtic to Royal AM ahead of the 2021/22 DStv Premiership season.

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At a press conference on Tuesday, PSL chairperson Irvin Khoza confirmed the deal in accordance with article 14 of the National Soccer League handbook.

“The main point is that the transition must be seamless, because there are a lot of stakeholders affected by this transition,” Khoza said during Tuesday’s announcement.

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“There is a very important issue that we discussed, the future financial stability [of the club and of the league as a whole]. This is a matter that faces us every day in football.

“We want to protect the history of a club, but the issue of sustainability is a problem. Regardless of our discomfort when we deal with transitions sometimes, we must make sure we are doing the right thing.

“We must consider two things, the issue of the insolvency of the club, the risk of insolvency. If somebody says ‘I cannot afford.’ What do you do?

“As a league, we have an obligation that the league must start with 16 teams, we’ve got commitments with sponsors, TV, etc. We don’t have too many in our football with deep pockets. That’s why it almost took us three days to discuss this matter.

“It is very important that the players and other employees must be protected. In a case of insolvency, people lose jobs.”

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In summary this means Royal AM now own Bloemfontein Celtic’s PSL status and the club will relocate to KwaZulu-Natal.

Royal AM’s GladAfrica Championship status has now been bought by Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM).

Royal AM will begin their 2021/22 DStv Premiership campaign away against Swallows on Sunday, 22 August.

Kick-off is scheduled for 17:00.