Njabulo Blom set for St Louis exit, Kaizer Chiefs return likely

MLS side St Louis City SC and South African midfielder Njabulo Blom are on the verge of parting ways. Blom has fallen out of favour under interim coach John Hackworth, and a loan move back to his former club, Kaizer Chiefs, is in the works.

Blom’s contract with St Louis runs until December, with a two-year extension option. However, the club is unlikely to exercise that option, making a permanent return to Chiefs in the January transfer window a strong possibility.

“We are talking to another club right now,” confirmed Hackworth, while a source close to Blom acknowledged contact between Chiefs and his management team. The initial loan move would benefit both parties. Blom’s playing time has dwindled since Bradley Carnell’s departure in July, and a return to familiar surroundings could revitalise his career.

For Chiefs, Blom adds depth and experience to their midfield, particularly valuable for mentoring promising youth international Samkelo Zwane.

NJABULO BLOM WOULD BE SIGNIFICANT TO KAIZER CHIEFS’ TRANSFER WINDOW

Blom’s potential arrival also enhances Chiefs’ tactical flexibility. Yusuf Maart could move into his favour ‘number eight’ role, while Mduduzi Shabalala or Gaston Sirino could fill the number 10 position, creating a dynamic midfield trio.

His return would be another significant move in Chiefs’ active transfer window. They’ve already added Fiacre Ntwari, Bongani Sam, Miguel Inacio, Sirino, and Rushwin Dortley, with Bradley Cross potentially joining soon. The club is aiming to strengthen the squad for the upcoming season.

The Chiefs academy graduate could also get a chance to prove his worth to Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos. Blom has featured for the senior national team twice. He also has over seven caps for youth national teams.

The Belgian handed him his debut on September 6, 2021, in a Group G FIFA World Cup qualifier clash against Ghana. Bafana won the tie 1-0. His second and last appearance was in an international friendly against Eswatini at FNB Stadium on October 13, 2023. He has not called him up since then.

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