Njabulo Blom joins Stellenbosch on loan from Borneo Samarinda

Stellenbosch have signed South African midfielder Njabulo Blom on a one-season loan from Indonesian Super League side Borneo Samarinda.

The 26-year-old becomes Stellenbosch’s 15th signing of the new season, with the club confirming the move on Friday after Blom completed his switch earlier in the week.

Blom said he was looking forward to starting a new chapter with the Cape Winelands club.

“I’m excited to be here, and to start this journey in a new environment,” Blom told Stellenbosch’s official website.

“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.”

The versatile midfielder said Stellenbosch’s reputation for developing players was a major factor in 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 also welcomed the opportunity to work under coach Gavin Hunt, saying the manager’s demands could help him regain his best form.

“I know coach Gavin demands a lot from his players, and that will also help me improve and get back to my best,” he said.

Blom’s career has taken a number of turns since he left Kaizer Chiefs for Major League Soccer side St Louis City in a high-profile transfer.

He initially established himself as a regular at St Louis City before losing his place in the side. He subsequently returned to Chiefs on loan but struggled for regular opportunities.

St Louis City later ended his contract, with Blom then moving to Vietnam before continuing his career in Indonesia with Borneo Samarinda.

He will now return to South African football with Stellenbosch, where he will look to revive his career under Hunt.

Stellenbosch’s next Betway Premiership fixture is against former club Chiefs at Soccer City on Saturday, 17 October.