Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi addressed the absence of Njabulo Blom after his side’s impressive 2-1 victory against Marumo Gallants FC to start the season.
Chiefs came from behind in front of a packed Toyota Stadium, with goals from Mduduzi Shabalala and substitute Mfundo Vilakazi securing the win.
The match began with an early setback for Chiefs, as Sekela Sithole’s deflected shot off Inacio Miguel put Gallants ahead after just six minutes.
However, Chiefs quickly responded, with Shabalala latching onto a Bradley Cross pass and calmly lobbing the ball over Washington Arubi. The Gallants goalkeeper was later replaced by Daniel Akpeyi due to injury.
In the second half, Chiefs dominated possession, and Vilakazi’s curling strike from outside the box sealed the victory.
Chiefs employed a diamond midfield featuring Yusuf Maart, Samkelo Zwane, Gaston Sirino, and Shabalala, raising questions about the absence of Blom, who recently returned on loan from St. Louis City.
Speaking after the match, Nabi explained, “Blom isn’t fully ready yet. He needs more preparation, but I’m happy with his signing.”
The coach added, “He’s a big player, and I want to protect him until he’s at 100%.”
Chiefs will face AmaZulu FC next week Wednesday.