By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Kaizer Chiefs confirmed the transfer of their youth development graduate, Njabulo Blom to US Major League Soccer team, St. Louis City SC.
Blom’s future had been in doubt in recent months with his contract due to expire with Chiefs.
However, Chiefs have now confirmed the surprise sale of the Bafana Bafana international, and he will be heading to the USA to join Bradley Carnell’s new MLS franchise.
The 23-year-old, who has made 11 appearances this season, came through the youth ranks at Chiefs.
He was promoted to the first team back in 2018, but it was only in the 2020/2021 campaign that he became a regular starter.
Blom will be the third South African player in the MLS after Bongokuhle Hlongwane of Minnesota United and FC Dallas’ Tsiki Ntshabeleng.
“St Louis City SC acquired Kaizer Chiefs FC midfielder Njabulo Blom, pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC) and P-1 Visa, via an undisclosed transfer fee, the club announced,” a club statement read.
“Blom signed a two-year contract that runs through the end of the 2024 MLS regular season with two option years in 2025 and 2026.”
It’s a bittersweet departure because I think it’s no secret to Amakhosi’s faithful how highly we value Njabulo Blom. He is the epitome of what our Academy has been able to produce over the last couple of years.”
“This is part of the plan for us to unearth talent of international standard. More so, we want to ensure that we produce talent that can go out to explore opportunities abroad.
“From a personal point of view, it’s great to see a young man who grew up in the system now being afforded the opportunity to expand his horizons,” said the club’s Sporting Director, Kaizer Motaung Jr.
The MLS will soon announce fixtures for the 2023 season with the league expected to start in February.