Meshack Motloung
Meshack Motloung
Bloemfontein Celtic's team manager, Khumbulani Konco was highly disappointed when his side failed to qualify for the yearly Telkom Charity Cup at Mmabatho Stadium, Mafikeng, on Saturday.
This was after the announcement of the four teams to take part in this one-day soccer spectacular was made.
A befuddled Konco could not believe his ears and eyes when the master of ceremonies Phumlani Msibi announced before a big crowd at Summer Place that Bloemfontein Celtic were out of the tournament.
Earlier Konco was seen moving around smiling, clearly believing they were among the four qualifiers.
"I'm very disappointed and my heart and those of our supporters must be sore. This was one of the blackest days of my life," he said.
"We are the current champions and we were more than eager to defend our title once more. But it is a big blow for us to relinquish it without going onto the battle field and fighting."
He said though the entire Free State Province will be in mourning, he would appeal to all their supporters to support this worthy cause.
"We've learnt our lessons well and next season we'll be on our toes."
Siwelele finished fifth behind Orlando Pirates with 97 588 votes when the vote lines closed at midnight on Friday. Mamelodi Sundowns finished on top with 112 911 votes, Kaizer Chiefs were second (102829), Platinum Stars third (102253), followed by Pirates with 99037 votes.
celtic charity cup shock
Meshack Motloung
Meshack Motloung
Bloemfontein Celtic's team manager, Khumbulani Konco was highly disappointed when his side failed to qualify for the yearly Telkom Charity Cup at Mmabatho Stadium, Mafikeng, on Saturday.
This was after the announcement of the four teams to take part in this one-day soccer spectacular was made.
A befuddled Konco could not believe his ears and eyes when the master of ceremonies Phumlani Msibi announced before a big crowd at Summer Place that Bloemfontein Celtic were out of the tournament.
Earlier Konco was seen moving around smiling, clearly believing they were among the four qualifiers.
"I'm very disappointed and my heart and those of our supporters must be sore. This was one of the blackest days of my life," he said.
"We are the current champions and we were more than eager to defend our title once more. But it is a big blow for us to relinquish it without going onto the battle field and fighting."
He said though the entire Free State Province will be in mourning, he would appeal to all their supporters to support this worthy cause.
"We've learnt our lessons well and next season we'll be on our toes."
Siwelele finished fifth behind Orlando Pirates with 97 588 votes when the vote lines closed at midnight on Friday. Mamelodi Sundowns finished on top with 112 911 votes, Kaizer Chiefs were second (102829), Platinum Stars third (102253), followed by Pirates with 99037 votes.