Blom calls the youth to be humble
Nothing much in terms of training has changed except for doing it in isolation and away from the fields,” says Njabulo Blom, “we are working out from home. We all have a program to follow and the technical team is monitoring us online.”
Before Lockdown, Blom was recovering from the injury he picked up playing in the Reserves side in the MultiChoice Diski Challenge match beating Baroka FC Reserves 4-2 on 8th February 2020.
“As far as my injury from tight thigh muscle,” Blom says, “our technical team have been supportive and giving me all the necessary treatment and encouragement, I need. I am ok now and once we get back to the fields, I should be ready to return to playing.”
Blom cannot forget the performances he dished out when Kaizer Chiefs beat Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 in the league played at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium on 27th October 2019.
“It was my first big match I played since I turned out for the first team,” says Blom, “I think I did well on the day and from the feedback I received it really made me proud, I will always cherish that moment. Most importantly is use that performance as a yardstick to be repeated consistently going forward. It was a high tempo game and I am glad I helped the team to perform on the day.”
As the saying goes you win and lose some in football, “I also won’t forget to learn from the worst moments in my game,” says Blom, “when we lost Maritzburg United in the Telkom Cup semifinals, we committed lots of errors, especially at the back. I have moved on and think that experience will help me to improve in my game.” Chiefs surprisingly lost 2-1 to United on 24th November played at Mbombela Stadium.
Blom attributes his strength in his believing in God, “at some point things get tough both generally in life and career,” says Blom, “time and time again one feels like giving up. My family is very supportive when it comes to my career. They follow me and give me advice when necessary.”
Blom was raised in Dobsonville, Soweto, “I grew up in Dobsonville,” says Blom, “I did decide to play football, I think it is inborn because all my family played football. Just everybody in my family line from grandfather and uncles played football. I think at the age of six already I already started playing with Zondi Bay. At a young age, there and then I decided football will be my career. I have never thought of anything else besides playing football.”
Since promotion to the first team, Blom has played four matches in all competitions.
Hard work and discipline stands out in the makeup of Blom, “I put God first in all what I do,” says Blom, “I also think humility is key and helps me a lot in my career development. It has been hard to reach this point in my career. I come from a disadvantaged family and it is difficult to be accepted in society when you come from a humble background. My mom has been strict and central to avoid getting off the rails. I want to thank her for she has kept me focused on discipline.”
Blom has featured in the South African Men’s U20 Team. Playing in Africa U-20 Cup of Nations 2019 and 2019 U-20 World Cup in Poland.
11 June 2020 marks the 10th anniversary since FIFA World Cup was hosted in South Africa in 2010. Blom looks back, “it was a great experience for everyone in South Africa,” says Blom, “I recall all my family gathered in the living room watching the first game when South Africa played Mexico in the first game. Obviously, all my support was at home, no doubt about that. The Spaniard Sergio Ramos was my best player and he impressed me most. I loved him and Carlos Puyol, I admired their fighting spirit in their game.”
For the youth, “I wish to represent the youth with my values of respect as well as humility,” concludes the 20-year-old Blom.
