Kaizer Chiefs head coach Nasreddine Nabi has explained why recently returned Njabulo Blom was not included in Amakhosi’s squad against Marumo Gallants on Saturday.
The Tunisian coach fielded six new players in his side’s 2-1 win over Gallants at the Toyota Stadium, however, star midfielder Blom was among those not included in the squad.
"Not all the players are ready, especially some of the new ones like the player Blom. He is not ready yet. He needs more physical preparations.
"But I am very happy (to have Blom) thank you very much to the committee, he is a big, big player, but I need to protect him because he is not really 100% physically, so I need to protect him,“ Nabi said in an interview with SABC Sport.
🗣️ "I am very happy and excited - hopefully we will finish with a win"
Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi ahead of their opening match of the season against Marumo Gallants!
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The 24-year-old Blom returned to the Soweto giants on a loan deal earlier this year from Major League side, St Louis City after falling out of favour with the club's head coach John Hackworth.
Chiefs had one of their worst seasons to date in South African football, after finishing in 10th place in the league table last season.
Blom is expected to be a key part of the “Phefeni Glamour Boys" as they seek to bring back the club's glory days having fallen in difficult times in recent times.
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