Share

Celtic sale will affect players, says ex-Chiefs star

Abia Nale says a lot of Bloemfontein Celtic players will be affected if the sale and relocation of the Premier League club does go through.

Celtic are reportedly in the process of securing investment to ensure their survival as TS Galaxy bid to purchase the status of Phunya Sele Sele.

TS Galaxy boss Tim Sukazi hopes to buy the club and relocate to Mpumalanga, leaving Nale to warn of the impact the move could have on Celtic players.

The 33-year-old former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder experienced a similar situation at Rustenburg-based side Platinum Stars when the club was sold and re-emerged in Cape Town as Cape Umoya.

Nale saw his contract terminated and has been without a club since 2018.

He told the SowetanLIVE: "Changes are too much when a team relocates, and it disturbs players mentally. A new owner must give players assurance that their contracts and everything else will be taken care of.

"But if a team relocates, accommodation, transport, and many things make players uncomfortable.

"It is not a good experience, to be honest. Either I had to go to Cape Town and or make a decision that I terminate the contract. They then give you your settlement and you part ways."

He added: "Relocating sometimes is not right, especially if things happen immediately because you have a family, you have kids who are going to school.

"A lot of players at Celtic are going to be affected. Remember, the person who is buying the club (Sukazi) has a team already (Galaxy). He will bring his players, so what will happen to the current Celtic squad? Maybe some might not want to relocate."

- TEAMtalk media

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2244 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE