South African football legend Dr Petrus Molemela passes away

26 March 2017 - 15:17 By Nick Said
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Soccer legend Dr Petrus Molemela has passed away.
Soccer legend Dr Petrus Molemela has passed away.
Image: Supplied

Former Bloemfontein Celtic owner Dr Petrus Molemela has passed away at the age of 83‚ the club confirmed on Sunday.

Molemela had served as Honorary Life President of the team having been instrumental in its foundation when he purchased the status of Mangaung United and changed the club’s name to Bloemfontein Celtic in 1975.

Molemela was in charge of the club for 26 years until he sold his shares to former Celtic player Jimmy Augousti in 2001 following the team’s relegation to the First Division.

“We have a lost a stalwart and a mentor‚” Celtic CEO Khumbulani Konco told Times Media Digital on Sunday.

“Since he was made Life President of the club‚ he frequented our offices a lot and remained very interested in our fortunes. The reason he would come in would be to talk to us and motivate us.

“He also spoke a lot to the players‚ which really helped them. He was fearless‚ the way he built Bloemfontein Celtic into what it is today. It all started with him. We have lost a great leader.”

Molemela’s passing was confirmed by Celtic on Sunday and immediately drew sympathy from the Minister of Sport‚ Fikile Mbalula.

“Sad news of the passing of Bloemfontein Celtic founder Ntate Dr Petrus Molemela. May his legendary spirit and soul RIP‚” Mbalula tweeted.

South African Football Association President Danny Jordaan added his condolences.

Celtic’s newly-refurbished home ground‚ formerly the Seisa Ramabodu Stadium‚ was named after Molemela in late 2015.

He was a colourful figure in local football‚ known for his outbursts at referees‚ and earned the nickname ‘Whitehead’ because of his greyed hair.

- TMG Digital/TMG Sport

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now