Bafana Bafana midfielder Njabulo Blom stole the show with a crucial performance as his side St. Louis City returned to winning ways under compatriot Bradley Carnell in the MLS.
City ended a run of three consecutive defeats with a memorable 4-0 victory over rivals Sporting Kansas City on Sunday. Goals came from Edward Lowen, Nicholas Gioacchini and Indiana Vassilev who struck a brace.
Blom played 78 minutes as he continues building up match-fitness after recovering from a groin injury and the 23-year-old had spectators on their feet as he recovered the ball from midfield to help set up Vassilev for City's second.
When we say Njabulo Blom is a game changer for @stlCITYsc in the midfield, this is exhibit A that led to a quick sequence from Stroud to Indy. Top notch #AllForCITY work.pic.twitter.com/Djv4qE9r32
— Matt Baker (@MattBakerSTL) May 21, 2023
"I was just following the principles from training, when the ball is there, pushing up a bit and it was just following our principles – Blom said of his tackle, as quoted by St. Louis Magazine's Justin Horneker.
"They say it's a derby, so I know how important it is to win those games."
"I was just following the principles from training, when the ball is there, pushing up a bit and it was just following our principles" - Njabulo Blom on his tackle that led to the 1st Vassilev goal #AllForCITY
— Justin Horneker (@hornekerjustin) May 21, 2023
The defensive midfielder has endured a frustrating start to life in the United States, after contracting Covid before suffering an injury just three matches into his return from illness.
However, the former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder remains rated highly by coach Bradley Carnell and City supporters.
???? Njabulo Blom's injury was another reason for CITY's struggles. The South African is such a technician with and without the ball in the midfield. He makes things happen in the middle of the park. #AllForCITY | #STLvSKC 2-0 https://t.co/izNEaPk5iO
— Andrea Katherine (@AndreaKatSTL) May 21, 2023
Blom's recent performances will also not have gone unnoticed by Bafana head coach Hugo Broos who is expected to name his squad for an upcoming dead rubber African Cup of Nations qualifier against Morocco to be played in June.
Up next for City is a home clash against Vancouver.
Kick-off is at 14:30. (SA time).
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