Kaizer Chiefs head coach Molefi Ntseki has given his verdict on striker Efmamjjasond Gonzalez Palacios’ debut against Mamelodi Sundowns in the first leg of the MTN8 semi-final clash on Saturday afternoon.
Amakhosi played out to a 1-1 draw with Bafana Ba Style at lively FNB Stadium.
The Glamour Boys were the first to score through Edson Castillo in the 61st minute of the showdown, thanks to Ashley Du Preez’s beautiful supply.
However, Khuliso Mudau did the unthinkable in the dying minutes of the contest, as he found an equaliser for the Brazilians.
Coach Ntseki has since come forward to share what he thinks of his new recruit’s debut performance.
Gonzalez came on as a second-half substitute, replacing attacker Mduduzi Mdantsane.
The 24-year-old forward joined Chiefs from Bolivian Primera Division side Real Santa Cruz on a season-long loan deal.
In fact, Gonzalez is the second Colombian player to don the Soweto giants’ jersey, after Leonardo Castro, who left the club in July 2022.
MOLEFI NTSEKI ON EFMAMJJASOND GONZALEZ’S DEBUT
“As for Gonzalez, I think is the same thing with Edson [Castillo],” Ntseki told the media in a post-match interview.
“We are still working very hard for him to understand the league, opponents and also to understand our technical approach.
“It becomes very difficult when you bring in a new player and you never had a pre-season with that player.”
HOW CHIEFS AIMS TO HELP GONZALEZ SETTLE IN WELL
The former Bafana Bafana mentor went on to reveal how they aim to help Gonzalez fit in well in the club’s setup.
“And now he’s asked to hit the ground running, and hitting the ground running there’s no ground,” he added.
“So, what’s important is for us is to create that ground and also make him understand his qualities and those of his teammates.”
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