Why Kaizer Chiefs kept Ethan Chislett on ice for seven months

For the Kaizer Chiefs faithful, the name Ethan Chislett had become something of a mystery at Naturena. Signed with high expectations from English side Port Vale FC, the 27-year-old spent the better part of seven months as a spectator. On Tuesday night at FNB Stadium, the mystery was finally solved.

Chislett’s debut in the 2-1 loss to Stellenbosch FC in the Betway Premiership may have been overshadowed by the result, but his 70-minute shift provided a glimpse of the creative spark Chiefs have been missing.

While an early-season injury played a role in his absence, co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef revealed that the long wait was largely a tactical choice. In an era where fans demand immediate impact from new signings, the Chiefs technical team opted for a “slow burn” approach.

“The reason it took seven months to introduce him is that we wanted him to be good and to have his best moments, like you saw today,” Ben Youssef explained post-match. The coach insisted that the hiatus was a calculated period of preparation, ensuring Chislett was physically and tactically “ready to dominate” rather than just participate.

The Ethan Chislett Silver Lining in the Stellenbosch Setback

Operating as a versatile link between the midfield and the attack, Ethan Chislett showed no signs of rust. Despite the team’s defeat, he was arguably the standout performer in gold and black before being replaced by Mduduzi Shabalala.

His ability to transition between a creative “Number 10” and a hardworking “Number 8” gave the Amakhosi midfield a different dimension—one they will desperately need as they navigate a difficult run-in.

Ethan Chislett’s timing couldn’t be more dramatic. With a successful 70 minutes under his belt, the midfielder has put his hand up for a starting spot in the biggest fixture on the South African calendar: the Soweto Derby.

On Saturday, February 28, Chiefs host Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium. With Amakhosi currently sitting fourth—eight points adrift of the summit—the stakes are higher than ever.

If Ben Youssef’s “seven-month plan” was designed to produce a match-winner, there is no better stage for Chislett to prove his worth than against the Buccaneers.