Kaizer Chiefs have re-signed Njabulo Blom on a one-year loan deal from MSL side St. Louis City.
Kaizer Chiefs reunite with Njabulo Blom
Chiefs have made a sensational swoop to bring 24-year-old Njabulo Blom back to Naturena on loan for the 2024-2025 campaign. Here’s what Kaizer Motaung Jr had to say on the club’s official website:
“We are excited to welcome Njabulo back to the team. His experience in the MLS and his familiarity with our Club ethos make him a valuable addition to our squad. We look forward to seeing his impact on the field because we know how valuable he is to our game model.”
Here’s what Blom had to say:
“I am delighted to be back at Kaizer Chiefs, a Club that holds a special place in my heart,” he said, “and I look forward to working with the team and contributing to our success under Coach Nasreddine Nabi. The support from the fans has always motivated me, and I can’t wait to play in front of the Khosi nation again.”
No smoke without fire
Reports last month indicated that United States MLS side St. Louis was unsure whether to trigger Blom’s two-year extension option on his current deal. The 24-year-old was a key component of their side under Bradley Carnell but the team’s fortunes have changed significantly since the South African manager was sacked. In 2023, they finished the Western Conference at the summit. In 2024, they’re second-bottom after 25 outings. There’s a clamour among Amakhosi fans for Chiefs to bring Blom back. One fan on X even said ‘Kaizer Chiefs must fetch him with the Hilux’
What was Blom earning in the MLS?
Blom was the second-best-paid South African in the MLS, earning $338k annually (R6.4 million) with Minnesota United FC’s Bongokuhle Hlongwane outstripping him with earnings of $610k (R11.6 million). Former Sundowns striker Cassius Mailula earns $291k (R5.5 million) annually. It’s not shabby at all.