Stellenbosch FC have completed the signing of Bafana Bafana midfielder Njabulo Blom, with the 26-year-old joining the club on a season-long loan from Indonesian side Borneo Samarinda.
The move was completed before the transfer deadline, with Blom now in Stellenbosch as he begins a new chapter under experienced coach Gavin Hunt.
Blom is looking to use the move to rediscover his best form and get back to playing regular competitive football.
“I’m excited to be here and to start this journey in a new environment,” Blom said.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge and building relationships with my new teammates. I will do my best to help the team and see what we can achieve together.”
Blom backs Gavin Hunt to help revive his form
A major attraction of the move is Blom’s opportunity to work with Hunt.
The midfielder believes the Stellenbosch coach’s demanding approach can help him improve and regain his confidence on the pitch.
“I know coach Gavin demands a lot from his players and that will also help me improve and get back to my best,” Blom said.
Blom also highlighted Stellenbosch’s reputation as a professionally run club as one of the reasons behind his decision to join.
“Stellenbosch is a professional and well-run club, and players who have played here in the past have enjoyed success, so I felt that it was a good environment for me to grow and to play competitive football again,” he added.
Blom brings international and overseas experience
The midfielder returns to the South African Premiership with experience from both home and abroad.
Blom previously represented Kaizer Chiefs across two spells before moving overseas. He also spent time in Major League Soccer with St. Louis City and most recently played in Indonesia for Borneo Samarinda.
He has also represented Bafana Bafana, with two senior international caps to his name.
At Stellenbosch, Blom will wear the No. 35 jersey as he looks to establish himself in Hunt’s midfield.
Blom could face Kaizer Chiefs
One of the most intriguing fixtures on Blom’s calendar could come on Saturday, 17 October, when Stellenbosch are scheduled to face his former club Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership.
If selected, Blom could make his return to domestic football against the club where he made his name.
For Stellenbosch, his arrival adds experience and versatility to Hunt’s midfield options. For Blom, the loan represents an opportunity to play consistently, work under Hunt and rebuild his momentum.
The question now is whether the former Chiefs star can make an immediate impact in the Cape Winelands.
