Grove United signs Asanda Tom to the club’s NPSL squad for the 2026 season

Grove United signs former academy product and professional midfielder Asanda Tom to the club’s NPSL squad for the 2026 season.

Tom joins Grove United from South African Premier Division side Chippa United. A product of the Grove Soccer Academy South Africa, Tom’s journey within the Grove pathway began years ago when he joined the academy in South Africa in 2015 before traveling to Richmond in 2016 as part of the Grove Soccer Academy USA Tour. Since then, the talented midfielder has continued to grow both professionally and personally, becom

ing another example of the academy’s international player pathway in action.

Following his development in South Africa and experience in the United States, Tom earned opportunities with some of the top clubs in South African football. He later joined the academy setup of Mamelodi Sundowns before signing with Cape Town City FC, where he featured with the reserve squad. After spending a season with Grove United in the NPSL, Tom signed professionally with Chippa United in the South African Premier Division.

Now, the South African midfielder returns to the United States ahead of the 2026 NPSL campaign, bringing experience, composure, and attacking quality back to Grove United. Known for his technical ability, vision, and control of the game’s rhythm, Tom adds another dynamic piece to the club’s roster for the upcoming season.

“Asanda is a special player with tremendous talent,” said Justin Grove, Grove United President and Technical Director. “He brings creativity, class, and magic to our midfield with the ability to dictate the tempo and change the game at any moment. His professional experience with Chippa United, along with being part of the Grove DNA as one of our top academy products, is evident every time he steps on the field.

“It’s exciting to see one of our academy players continue his journey with Grove United for the 2026 NPSL season. Asanda represents what our pathway is all about — developing players through the academy and helping them take the next step in their careers. We believe he has the talent and mentality to continue progressing to even higher levels here in the United States.”

Tom’s signing continues Grove United’s commitment to building a competitive squad while creating opportunities for players developed through the Grove Soccer Academy system around the world.