Kaizer Chiefs Sporting Director Kaizer Motaung Jr. has pointed out the void that will be left by Njabulo Blom at the club following his sale to US Major League Soccer side St. Louis City SC.
However, the former Amakhosi striker also believes that this will, on the other side, grant an opportunity to other players to seize Blom’s role.
The Dobsonville-born defensive midfielder penned a two-year contract with an option to extend for two more years with the Missouri-based club.
Blom will now play under the guidance of the Bafana Bafana and Chiefs legend Bradley Carnell who’s the head coach of Louis City.
Motaung says Blom was crucial to Chiefs because of his versatility and fighting spirit and determination in his game.
MOTAUNG JR ON VOID LEFT BY NJABULO BLOM AT CHIEFS
“Everyone can see that Njabulo Blom is a very hard-working athletic player,” Motaung told Chiefs media.
“He’s versatile, he’s been able to play multiple positions in the team which is something that we also have prided ourselves on from the academy side.
“He’s played right-back, right-wing back, midfield as six and eight, so I think that the versatility that he has and great determination and fighting spirit in his game is something that stands out.
“Of course, losing a player who’s been playing at a consistent level is, it does provide an opportunity for somebody else to put their hands up to [take over] from him.”
Motaung acknowledged the understanding that Blom had with the club’s head coach Arthur Zwane.
He described the moment of losing the 23-year-old as “bittersweet”.
‘IT’S SOMETHING BITTERSWEET’
“But I think we are gonna lose a dynamic and hard-working player, having worked so many years with coach Arthur from our academy team and to having coach Arthur as head coach here,” he added
“You can clearly see that there is a great understanding in terms of what’s expected of him.
“And I think that connection has certainly helped him to be able to play at the level he does right now.
“So, we’re missing someone who was a very important part of the team and I think both on and off the field especially having a lot of his peers with him in the senior team, it’s something bittersweet for us.”
Blom leaves Amakhosi having amassed 94 appearances across all competitions since his senior team debut in 2019.
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