Kickoff (Cape Town)
28 August 2008
Talks of a possible purchase of Bloemfontein Celtic are nothing more than just that at the moment, club CEO Ikie Augousti tells KickOff.com.
But the Phunya Sele Sele CEO, in the same breath, admits that there has been talks about the subject.
"A few different parties have been talking to us and showing interest, but to do a deal, one has to do a bit more than talk and show interest," he says.
"When we know anything concrete we will let you know, but at the moment there is nothing cast in stone.
"We are actually keener on bringing in new shareholders to give the club more financial muscle. Everytime big spending clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns or Kaizer Chiefs up their offers for our top players, we have to fork out a few million rands to counter, so the club is in need of financial strengthening," Augousti adds.
It has also been learnt that Celtic chairman Jimmy Augousti did have talks with former Cape Town Spurs owner and ex-Perth Glory director David Rodwell about possible involvement with Celtic, but the ex-Cape Town-based businessman has opted not to get involved in SA soccer at this stage.
Another unconfirmed report that found its way to KickOff.com was that an approach had been made by a Limpopo Province-based corporation.
Meanwhile, Augousti confirmed that coach Mich d'Avray has been given a year's grace to turn Celtic into a competitive force.
"I am not saying that results don't count for us this year," said Augousti.
"D'Avray has a two-year contract with Celtic, and while ideally we would like to win a Cup trophy and finish in the top six placings in the League, we must give the coach the chance of using the first year of his stay towards turning Celtic into a competitive force, for a strong challenge in the second year. Naturally, we need to get a top eight finish."
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