The judicial capital of the Republic of South Africa and the Free State – Bloemfontein – becomes the destination of choice for two professional football clubs that have relocated from their original home of Limpopo. Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) arrived two weeks ago while the Marumo Gallants arrived yesterday.
The two sides have resolved to play their remaining league matches in Mangaung. TTM is campaigning in the Motsepe Foundation Championship (MFC) and Marumo is in the top-flight Premier Soccer League (PSL). Their relocation sees them tapping into the existing strong support-base of the now defunct Bloemfontein Celtic after the club was sold for an undisclosed amount to Royal AM in 2021. Gallants’ move to the City of Roses is reportedly permanent and with a long-term plan to change its name to Bloemfontein Celtic while TTM’s future remains in the balance.
The two clubs have a history of doing business. In 2021, TTM sold their PSL franchise to Gallants. This was shortly after buying the same status from Bidvest Wits. TTM is owned by Masala Lawrence Mulaudzi while Gallants is owned by Dr Abram Sello.
In an effort to attract local support, TTM immediately opted for the traditional evergreen and white of Phunya Sele Sele and discarded their original blue colour. The Gallants’ camp is yet to make an official pronouncement about their future, amid overwhelming support from vocal supporters of Celtic.
At a general meeting held on 16 February, in no uncertain terms, Celtic supporters openly declared they will throw their full weight behind Gallants as opposed to TTM. “Siwelele supporters and all members unanimously rejected the request of TTM’s chairperson to be supported and they are resolute to support Gallants,” according to minutes of the meeting.
The lack of interest for TTM comes despite its willingness shown to be associated with the local football fraternity by adopting the famous green-white colours of Celtic. It is unclear if both sides will be using the Dr RP Molemela Stadium for all their remaining fixtures or if Gallants will opt for the Free State Stadium.
The club’s first game in Bloemfontein on Thursday (2 March) is the Nedbank Cup last-16 group knockout against the defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns. The match will be played at the Free State Stadium. Kick-off is at 18:00.
