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Kaizer Chiefs head coach Arthur Zwane has explained why Njabulo Blom was left out the match day squad against AmaZulu at FNB Stadium on Saturday evening.
Blom, 22, who is currently locked in contract negotiations has been subject to intense media speculation since his agent Rob Moore confirmed they are well off in terms of agreeing on a new deal due to the alleged financial disparities amongst some of his teammates – while stating the player is not asking for ‘fantasy numbers’.
While Zwane said before the game, that he wants the best for the player and all the youngsters coming through the ranks, he made the decision to leave the versatile midfielder-cum-right-back, who has experienced some indifferent form in the 2022/23 campaign.
However, he insisted his decision was just based on the added competition in the squad.
“It’s a case of competition. We know that Njabulo is a good player,” Zwane said in the post-match press conference at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
“We know that he’s going to come back at any given time. We know that he’s a hard worker by nature.
“So it’s a case of Soli [Dillan Solomons] doing very well and also giving other players that are doing well, creating that competition that’s in the squad. So very soon he’s going to come back.”
Blom has featured for the Chiefs first-team 85 times, registering eight assists since earning a promotion from the DStv Diski Challenge squad back in 2019.