Kaizer Chiefs legend Reneilwe Letsholonyane explains Njabulo Blom’s challenge - 'His struggles are the same as Thabo Cele’s'

Kaizer Chiefs legend Reneilwe Letsholonyane has likened Njabulo Blom’s challenges to his teammate Thabo Cele.

The former midfielder has said both Chiefs' players are struggling with the intensity of the Premier Soccer League since they joined the Naturena club.

Blom has failed to earn a regular starting XI slot under head coach Nasreddine Nabi, but Letsholonyane says Blom needs time to readjust.

“I feel like Blom’s struggles are the same as Thabo Cele’s; they are both struggling with the intensity since arriving from Europe. So I think for some reason, because we know Blom because he played in the league before, we have become too hard on him. He will need time to readjust," Letsholonyane told FARPost.

“Unfortunately for Blom, as I said, he was here before, and people are not expecting him to struggle with the intensity. But the truth is, when he wasn’t here, he needed to adjust to a different space and a different way of doing things," he added.

“Now, he needs to readjust, and he will need time. I’m sure when he gets the intensity that is required for the PSL level and manages it properly, he will definitely be a key player," he concluded.

Blom, 25, rejoined Amakhosi from St. Louis City SC on a season-long loan in September 2024 with the hope of reviving his career.

His struggle for game time at the Major Soccer League (MLS) side saw him also fail to remain a regular figure at the national side, Bafana Bafana.

There was immense hope of him becoming a star for Chiefs when he was promoted to the senior team in 2019. His ability to play as a right-back and in central midfield positions made him a promising utility player.

Since his return, he has mostly featured as a substitute for Chiefs in different competitions.

To get his career back on track again, Blom must pull up his socks, beat the stiff competition in the Chiefs' ranks and become a regular starter again.