THE co-founding director of Bloemfontein Celtic, Victor Mahatanya, is delighted at the club's achievement in reaching its third cup final since its formation in 1969.

Phunya Sele Sele will battle it out with Mamelodi Sundowns for this year's Telkom Knockout glory.

Mahatanya and Norman Mathobisa, who died in June, are founding directors of Celtic. Mahatanya served as the chairperson and Mathobisa as team manager until they lured Petrus "Whitehead" Molemela to take over in the 1970s.

"Being the only surviving co-founder, it's a memorable moment in my life to see Celtic live our dream of challenging for trophies. These are the things we dreamed and aspired to achieve when we formed Celtic.

"It's certainly a dream come true and a great pleasure to see this club achieve great things. I thank God for having let me live to see this historic moment. I feel honoured in every respect," he said.

Mahatanya has challenged the Celtic camp, players and the technical staff to win the Telkom trophy in honour of the late Mathobisa.

"It will be a fitting honour for Mathobisa if Celtic clinch the trophy. Mathobisa was a pillar and instrumental figure in the formation of this giant. I have no doubt he would have cherished this moment and by all means would make it a point that we travel together to Durban to watch the final if he was still alive. I shed tears of joy whenever I recall his sacrifices," said Mahatanya.

Mahatanya has encouraged Celtic players to draw courage from the spirit of the squads that won the Mainstay Cup in 1985 and the SAA Supa 8 in 2005.

"I'll be in Durban to witness history in the making. I wish the players the very best."