On Friday, 21 July, former Kaizer Chiefs utility player Njabulo Blom was sold to Major League Soccer outfit St. Louis City SC after months of transfer speculation. Blom, 23, had reached a deadlock in negotiations with Chiefs over a new contract.
Going into another continent will provide a normal challenge for Blom, but he is banking on the presence of a familiar face in St. Louis head coach Bradley Carnell, a South African and Chiefs legend, to make his integration in the team easier.
“It’s an advantage that the coach (Bradley Carnell) is South African and understands the culture,” Blom said via the club’s official website. “It’s a bonus for me because he has played for Chiefs and he knows everything about South African players. It’s a blessing for me to have a coach who played in South Africa.”
Kaizer chiefs investment in youth development is paying off now, replacing Njabulo Blom with Samkelo Zwane is just amazing work in progress pic.twitter.com/iQovWyhXUs
— NativeOfBelaBela (@tsheko2020) January 4, 2023
Blom also confirmed that he’s aware Chiefs Chairman Kaizer Motaung Snr long paved the way for South African players after starring in the American League back in his playing days.
“I do know he played for Atlanta Chiefs and, if I’m not mistaken, he once won the Rookie of the Year award in the NASL. He has left a legacy in the USA,” he explained.
Blom also conveyed his heartfelt message to the club supporters, saying it was not his intention to leave but he had to prioritize his family and career growth, as his contract was set to expire at Chiefs at the end of the season.
“This is always going to be home. It wasn’t my intention to leave this way but I think, at the same time, I have been a team player,” he said. “I have been working hard for the team. At this moment I had to think about my future and my family – to put them first – and also my growth as an individual and as a player.
“I’ll always remember and love the Chiefs fans. I’d like to thank the supporters, the team, the Chairman… everyone, for all that they have done for me,” he added.
