Plenty to ponder for Chiefs’ Blom
IT’S okay for Njabulo Blom, through his agent Rob Moore, to demand a salary that he thinks he duly deserves at Kaizer Chiefs for a contract extension.
After all, he’s one of the most talented and versatile players in the league, having been vastly used by the previous and current coaches at the club.
But at the age of 22, there is still a long way to go and learn for a player, given the little attention that’s given to development leagues locally. Realistically, it’s only now that Blom is fully finding himself and his strong points as a player.
He has reunited with coach Arthur Zwane at the senior team after the pair worked together in the reserves before the latter’s promotion in June.
The various coaches that Blom worked with at Chiefs, such as Gavin Hunt and Stuart Baxter, used him to the demands of the team and their style of play.
But under the Zwane he’s set to become better than he is, given the fact that he and Chiefs need each other.
Amakhosi are hoping to find their identity under Zwane, who will have to help the players find their strength and the team’s DNA.
Blom and the club must find a common ground, looking at where they come from, where they are going and what they want to achieve individually and collectively.
Sure, the outside noise and interest could be enticing, given that Mamelodi Sundowns and Supersport United are said to be interested in Blom.
The Brazilians are among the few clubs that could easily pay Blom whatever he’s asking for next season as he can sign a pre-contact with them in January.
Undoubtedly, it must be Blom’s dream to win trophies every season and play continental football regularly, which Downs have been doing.
But with a host of talented players at Sundowns not even starting on the bench, but kicking their heels on the stands, will Blom play?
Blom, though, should do his due diligence. A lot of players left Chiefs looking for greener pastures, but where did they end up?
Granted fate, qualities and discipline of players vary, but most of them got lost in the circles of South African football having failed to fit in at another club.
Blom also aspires to being a Bafana Bafana regular. And that’s why he should stay where he’s valued. And at the moment, he’s valued by Chiefs and by Zwane.