Why MLS team identified ex-Chiefs star Blom as first-choice target

At the end of last year, and after numerous ongoing reports and rumours, Kaizer Chiefs confirmed the transfer of their youth development graduate, Njabulo Blom, to US Major League Soccer team, St. Louis City SC.

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Although Blom’s contract was expiring and therefore saw him become a viable target for St. Louis City, their sporting director has also now revealed how highly they regarded the 23-year-old.

“We were looking for that very aggressive, central defensive midfielder, like a ball-winner who likes to defend forward, a guy with a good mentality, a lot of fighting spirit,” Lutz Pfannensteil told iDiski Times. “And I was looking a lot in Europe. I was looking literally all over the world and I could not find that guy or any better guy than Blom.

“So Blom was our first choice. I mean he had an expiring contract with Chiefs, so we did not really approach them that early because we did not know what the situation was. But from all the scouting and all the games I’ve watched, and I’ve watched lots, and lots, and lots of games of him, he was for us the best fit, the perfect fit in this position.”

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Before Blom jetted off to the USA, he reflected on his time with Amakhosi

Feelings about leaving Kaizer Chiefs?
It’s sad because this is the team I grew up supporting and the moments and experiences I shared with the team, like going to CAF (Champions League), losing the final, are moments I won’t forget in my life and, because I came through the development team, it adds extra meaning. I am also excited because it’s a new journey for me. It’s every player’s dream to go and play abroad.

Message to the Amakhosi family?
This is always going to be home. It wasn’t my intention to leave this way but I think, at the same time, I have been a team player. I have been working hard for the team. At this moment I had to think about my future and my family – to put them first – and also my growth as an individual and as a player. I’ll always remember and love the Chiefs fans. I’d like to thank the supporters, the team, the Chairman… everyone, for all that they have done for me.

Thoughts on joining St. Louis City SC in the MLS?
It’s an advantage that the coach (Bradley Carnell) is South African and understands the culture. It’s a bonus for me because he has played for Chiefs and he knows everything about South African players. It’s a blessing for me to have a coach who played in South Africa.