NEDBANK Cup finalists Bloemfontein Celtic have strengthened their squad by retaining defender Justice Chabalala on loan from Orlando Pirates.
Celtic have also retained the services of Lucky Baloyi and Given Mashikinya by extending their contracts.
Both these players’ short-term deals, signed in June, expired at the end of this delayed Premiership season.
However, Celtic have decided to give them new deals ahead of the new season to bolster John Maduka’s squad as they now have the Caf Confederation Cup on their schedule.
Siwelele qualified for the continental competition by virtue of finishing runners up to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Ke Yona Cup final. Downs as league champions qualified for the more prestigious Caf Champions League.
Chabalala’s return is due to the fact that his place at Pirates is not assured after they signed highly rated defender Thulani Hlatshwayo from Bidvest Wits.
The Bafana Bafana captain is set to play alongside club’s skipper Happy Jele at the heart of the Bucs defence when the new season starts next month.
“Pirates loaned Chabalala back to Celtic and it’s a one year agreement,” said the player’s agent Ratshibvumo Mulovhedzi.
The Giyani-born defender, who joined Celtic in the second half of the season, featured in 15 games in all competitions.
Mashikinya and Baloyi have had their one-year options exercised by Celtic, following the expiry of their contracts with the club.
The 29-year-old Mashikinya was one of Celtic’s stand out players last season featuring in 30 games in all competitions. Baloyi, also 29, featured in 31 games in all competitions.
Meanwhile, Celtic will know today the outcome of their arbitration case against Sundowns after the club lodged a complaint at the end of the Ke Yona Cup final, played at Orlando Stadium on 12 September.
Celtic lodged a complaint after suspended defender Tebogo Langerman was part of Sundowns 18 man squad for the final while he was suspended.
However, it is unlikely Sundowns will forfeit trophy as Celtic didn’t lodge the protest 30 minutes before the game but lodged it after the game which is now classified as a complaint.
SunSport understands that instead Downs are set to face a substantial fine.
