Kaizer Chiefs have made a double swoop in the transfer market to bolster their squad ahead of the new Betway Premiership season, bringing back one familiar face and another player who was on trial a few years ago.
Defensive midfielder Njabulo Blom is back at Naturena on loan until the end of June 2025 having fallen out of favour at Major League Soccer side St Louis City following the departure of Bradley Carnell as coach.
Blom has made 16 appearances in 2024 (11 starts) but none since July after he was suspended by the club for one match for violating team rules last month. It is clear he is unsettled in the MLS.
Welcome back to the Kaizer Chiefs Family #Amakhosi4Life #AlwaysHome pic.twitter.com/PSgEe1vcBn
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) September 3, 2024
He returns to Chiefs having previously made 78 appearances since his breakthrough campaign in 2019/20.
“We are excited to welcome Njabulo back to the team,” Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jnr said. “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.”
Blom is joined by the arrival of left-back Bradley Cross from Lamontville Golden Arrows.
The 23-year-old, who was previously in the junior ranks at German side Schalke and English outfit Newcastle United, has spent the last two seasons with Maritzburg United (now Durban City) and Golden Arrows.
The arrival of Cross, who was on trial at Naturena in 2022, likely ends the pursuit of Stellenbosch FC left-back Fawaaz Basadien.
“Bradley’s signing aligns with our strategic vision of continuing to strengthen our team and get ready compete when the season starts,” Motaung Jnr said. “We are confident that his addition will bring a new level of energy, international experience and skill to our squad. We look forward to seeing him in action and contributing to our success.”