Kleinbooi Taaibos finds it challenging to choose between Siwelele Football Club, Marumo Gallants, and the individual who owns the name rights to Bloemfontein Celtic.
Taaibos, originally from the Free State, played for Celtic from 2006 to 2009 before transferring to Free State Stars.
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Both Siwelele FC and Marumo Gallants pride themselves on representing this iconic team, while the name is currently owned by Bloemfontein-based businessman Edward Modise.
"I was never fully convinced by this Siwelele sa Marumo concept, but it was a good initiative and beneficial for us people from the Free State," Taaibos tells KickOff.
"However, the name Bloemfontein Celtic will forever be engraved in our hearts. Even though owning the club's certificate doesn't make you the real Bloemfontein Celtic; the certificate doesn’t play football. We all know the background story behind the ownership of that certificate.
"The status was sold to Mamkhize, but not the certificate. That’s what has created the mess we find ourselves in. As someone who joined Celtic at the young age of 19, it makes my heart bleed.
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"Siwelele Football Club aims to restore the original essence of football in the Free State. However, there’s a dilemma: Modise currently holds the ownership of the name. He should collaborate with the Siwelele Football Club leaders so that we can revive our team in Bloemfontein.
"Everyone wants to see the revival of the giant that is Bloemfontein Celtic, but someone without the status is holding onto the name."
Photo by Anesh Debiky / Gallo Images
