The supporters made it crystal clear that they want Tshabalala to sell the club to a consortium led by local businesses woman, Sinki Leshabane, or they will not attend matches.

In a meeting held this week with the team's management, the supporters who boycotted the last home game, against Golden Arrows, says the management has failed to run the team effectively especially with players constantly on strike over the payment of salaries.The supporters say what angered them the most was the resignation of coach Steve Komphela who has since joined Golden Arrows. The alleged lack of proper management of the team prompted Komphela to resign and this did not sit well with them.

The team has been facing financial difficulties in the last few years and this prompted Tshabalala to put the team up for sale much to the amazement of supporters who, in turn, took to the streets to protest the sale of the team.They have now informed the management that they would not attend the games until the team is sold preferably to Leshabane and the consortium.

Last year, Leshabane and the consortium agreed  to buy the team, but later learned that Tshabalala owed SARS over R40 million and this halted the sale of the team which he (Tshabalala) was expected to settle. The sale fell through as a result.

Celtic’s spokesperson, Sello Nduna, confirmed that the team is facing serious financial troubles. He says the team’s financial constraints are the main cause of the strikes by players and supporters."The team is still looking for a sponsorship to try and alleviate the current financial problems,” Nduna said. Nduna added that the negotiations between management and the consortium have been unsuccessful. He said the provincial government director general, Kopung Ralikontsane, met with Tshabalala last week to see if there could be a solution to the ever-dragging problems.  He further added that plans are underway to meet with the potential buyers soon.

One of the supporters told OFM News that as supporters they stand firm on the issue of the sale. "Tshabalala must sell to the consortium, finish en klaar, otherwise we are not going to the stadium," he says.

Celtic will welcome Black Leopards at the Dr Molemela stadium on Sunday afternoon.

OFM News/Michael Tlhakudi