Kaizer Chiefs interim coach Arthur Zwane has pinpointed the key to Njabulo Blom’s consistency and progress as the club’s academy graduate establishes himself as a vital cog in the team.
Zwane, who has known Blom since his development days, credits the versatile player’s strides in the game to discipline and consistency.
The defender-cum-midfielder has been a ray of sunshine in a largely underwhelming term for the Soweto giants, and his coach says it’s all down to his well-mannered nature and focus.
The 22-year-old has made 26 league appearances for Amakhosi this campaign, registering five assists.
“Discipline is key and everything. Once you’re disciplined, you easily achieve everything you need in life. [Njabulo] Blom is one example of a not problematic boy; he still goes home after training because we taught them about discipline. He knows there is no shortcut to success,” Zwane said.
“He’s a very reserved young man, disciplined and hardworking player with so much focus and paying attention to detail.”
“He is a good example to the guys in the development team who also want to come to the first team. He has a strong mentality, is excellent and has a good attitude. He’s one for the future and will be a great player.”
‘10111’ Zwane further lauded Blom’s flexibility of playing in different positions whenever deployed.
“We are yet to see the best of Njabulo Blom; he can play as a right-back, defensive midfielder and number eight. He has technical flexibility,” the former Chiefs winger said.
The Bafana Bafana star, who was promoted to the Chiefs senior team in March 2019, has previously revealed what has kept him positive throughout the challenges in his career.
“At some point, things get tough generally in life and career. Time and time again, one feels like giving up. My family is very supportive when it comes to my career. They follow me and give me advice when necessary,” the player said on Chiefs’ official website.
“I grew up in Dobsonville. I did decide to play football; I think it is inborn because all my family played football. Just everybody in my family line, from grandfather and uncles, played football. At the age of six already; I already started playing with Zondi Bay. There and then, I decided that football would be my career at a young age. I have never thought of anything else besides playing football.”
“I put God first in all what I do. I also think humility is key and helps me greatly in my career development. It has been hard to reach this point in my career. I come from a disadvantaged family, and it isn’t easy to be accepted in society when you come from a humble background. My mom has been strict and central to avoid getting off the rails. I want to thank her for keeping me focused on discipline,” he added.
In contrast, Zwane has seen forward Dumisani Zuma suspended for the second time this season. The talented attacker was first slapped with suspension last year due to alleged drunk driving charges.
After working his way back into the team and scoring against Cape Town City recently in A 2-1 loss, he was suspended again last week. While the club did not confirm, reports are that he arrived at training in a “poor condition”.
