Njabulo Blom begins new Asian chapter with Thep Xanh Nam Định

South African footballer Njabulo Blom is charting a surprising yet promising course in his career, having joined Vietnamese V.League 1 champions Thep Xanh Nam Định FC. The move marks his first permanent transfer away from Europe and MLS, following a fluctuating spell at Kaizer Chiefs and St. Louis City SC.

This bold transfer signals a fresh start for the 25-year-old midfielder, who is set to link up with English striker Kyle Hudlin, bringing both South African flair and English firepower to the Vietnamese champions.

Shock Move to Vietnam: From Chiefs to Champions

Blom’s move to Thep Xanh Nam Định FC was confirmed on 18 July 2025, following his contract conclusion with Kaizer Chiefs after a season-long loan from St. Louis City SC. The Soweto-born midfielder, who rose through the Chiefs’ youth system and later featured in MLS, is a high-profile addition ahead of the new V.League 1 season.

At 25 and with over 160 career appearances across top-flight leagues in South Africa and the United States, Blom is joining Vietnamese champions off the back of consistent domestic and international exposure.

Teaming Up with Kyle Hudlin: A Strategic Duo

A key highlight of Blom’s move is the opportunity to play alongside towering English striker Kyle Hudlin, standing at 2.1 m, also recently signed by Thep Xanh Nam Định. This combination of dynamic midfield energy and height advantage up front could significantly reshape the club’s tactical profile.

The duo’s presence enhances the team’s title defence strategy, signaling the club’s ambitions of regional dominance and potential Asian competition success.

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Player Profile: From Dobsonville to Asia

Born on 11 December 1999 in Dobsonville, Gauteng, Njabulo Blom began his professional journey with Kaizer Chiefs, making his senior debut in 2019. The defensive midfielder featured in 55 league matches, and later moved to the United States in late 2022, signing with St. Louis City SC ahead of their expansion season.

In the 2024–25 season, he returned to Chiefs on loan, making 19 appearances before officially transferring to Vietnam in July 2025.

International Career: South African Pride

Njabulo Blom has also represented Bafana Bafana, earning two senior caps since debuting in a 1–0 victory over Ghana in September 2021. He featured in South Africa’s U20 squad at the 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup and has consistently been on the national team radar, showcasing his shift from promising youth talent to established international player.

What This Means for His Career and Vietnamese Football

If Blom establishes himself at Thep Xanh Nam Định, he could open the door for more South African players to explore Asian markets, traditionally underrepresented in Vietnamese football. The move also boosts the V.League 1’s profile, particularly as Blom brings experience from competitive leagues like the PSL and MLS.

For Thep Xanh Nam Định, this strategic signing pairs seasoned midfield dynamism with powerful striking presence, setting the stage for thrilling football and potential continental competition.

Looking Ahead: Next Steps for Njabulo Blom

Blom will now focus on acclimatising to Vietnam’s football culture and climate, building chemistry with Hudlin and the rest of the squad. His early performances will be crucial in determining whether this move becomes a launching pad for further growth, or a unique career detour.

With his blend of South African grit and international pedigree, Njabulo Blom’s journey in Asia is one to watch. Can he help spearhead Thep Xanh Nam Định’s dominance and inspire new South African footprints in Asian football? The next season in V.League 1 will hold the answer.