Colombia striker Efmamjjasond Gonzalez Palacios, who arrived in South Africa on Wednesday, has opened up on his move to Kaizer Chiefs, saying he is excited to showcase himself in Africa.
The 24-year-old lands at the Naturena amid so much expectations as Chiefs seek a lasting solution to their goalscoring woes.
So far, AmaKhosi have scored a paltry three goals in four DStv Premiership matches in the new season. And the new striker, Efmamjjasond Gonzalez Palacios, is expected to add more firepower to the team.
Interestingly, he will face stiff competition for a place in the first team from the likes of Christian Saile and Ashely Du Preez.
He will also compete with Ranga Chivaviro, who is in his first season at the club, having joined from Marumo Gallants. Chivaviro is, however, nursing an injury.
WHAT EFMAMJJASOND GONZALEZ PALACIOS SAID
The Colombian attacker is raring to start his life at the Molefi Ntseki-coached side as they prepare to host AmaZulu FC on Saturday, 26 August 2023.
“I am thankful for the opportunity I have been given. It is a dream for me to be in Africa,” he said.
“For me, it is the centre of everything, I am happy to be here and very happy with what I have seen so far. I can’t wait to start.”
At this point, it is possible that González could be thrown into the fray on Saturday in Chivaviro’s absence. But that depends on his match sharpness.
Before joining Kaizer Chiefs, González played 16 league games in the Bolivian Primera Division for Real Santa Cruz. He scored eight times.
Without a doubt, his arrival brings a fresh and potentially explosive option to Ntseki, whose men have been shy in front of goal.
And Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung is also confident their new signing will live up to their expectations.
“We wish to welcome Jasond Gonzalez to South Africa and also to wish him everything of the best,” said Motaung.
“We know that he’s a ‘soldier’ because he hits the ground running. As he comes now, he has no time to waste. He has to be ready to use his weapons straight away. We want to make him feel comfortable here. One thing I guarantee is that he’ll be happy here.
“It’s a big family, and he will see, as time goes on, how big this family is. It’s the big, big family of this country that is behind this club.’
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