Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Efmamjjasond González is enjoying a remarkable turnaround in his career after finding his scoring touch in China.
The Colombian forward, who endured a disappointing spell at Naturena without scoring a single goal, is now making headlines with Nantong Zhiyun in Chinese League One.
The 27-year-old has scored 13 goals in 16 appearances this season, adding one assist to his impressive attacking record. His latest contribution was a hat-trick that helped Nantong Zhiyun secure another victory on Saturday.
His performances have also pushed him into second place in the Chinese League One Golden Boot race.
González’s Chiefs Spell Ended in Disappointment
González arrived at Kaizer Chiefs during the 2023/24 season on loan from Bolivian club Real Santa Cruz.
There were expectations that the Colombian striker would strengthen Amakhosi’s attacking options, but things did not go according to plan.
He struggled to make an impact during his time in Soweto, failing to register either a goal or an assist throughout his spell with the club.
His disappointing performances came during a difficult campaign for Chiefs, who also missed out on a place in the Betway Premiership top eight.
After just one season, González was allowed to leave, with many supporters considering his time at Naturena an unsuccessful chapter in his career.
Nantong Zhiyun Move Revives His Career
Following spells with different clubs, González appears to have found the right environment to rediscover his confidence in front of goal.
His current form at Nantong Zhiyun has been impressive, with 13 goals from 16 matches putting him among the leading scorers in the Chinese second division.
The latest hat-trick further underlined his resurgence and raised questions about how differently his career might have unfolded had he managed to produce similar performances in South Africa.
For now, the striker will be focused on maintaining his form and challenging for the Chinese League One Golden Boot.
Ranga Chivaviro Also Finding Success Abroad
González is not the only former Kaizer Chiefs striker who has enjoyed a better scoring spell after leaving Naturena.
Ranga Chivaviro, who faced criticism from sections of the Amakhosi faithful during his time at the club, has also been finding the back of the net abroad.
The experienced forward scored 13 goals in 28 appearances for Saudi Arabian side Al Fahaheel last season.
Like González, Chivaviro has managed to put his difficult Chiefs experience behind him and rebuild his reputation in a different football environment.
Should Chiefs Have Given Chivaviro More Time?
The contrasting fortunes of González and Chivaviro raise an interesting question about Kaizer Chiefs’ recruitment and the challenges strikers face at Naturena.
Both players struggled to meet expectations in the famous gold and black jersey, but their performances abroad suggest that a change of environment can make a significant difference.
With González now scoring regularly in China and Chivaviro producing goals in Saudi Arabia, Chiefs supporters may be wondering whether the club moved on from the two forwards too quickly.
Do you think Ranga Chivaviro deserved more opportunities at Kaizer Chiefs?
