Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef has explained why the club’s new trio of signings—Ethan Chislett, Flavio Silva, and Nkanyiso Shinga have yet to feature for Amakhosi, even though their paperwork has been sorted.
The Soweto giants have enjoyed an impressive start to the new season, securing three consecutive victories. This good run is the sixth time in PSL history and the first since the 2014/15 season under Stuart Baxter that the club has won its first three league games.
Nasreddine Nabi’s troops kicked off the 2025/26 season with a 2-0 away win against Stellenbosch FC, followed by a 1-0 victory over Polokwane City FC at home. On Tuesday, a stunning goal by Gastón Sirino secured a 1-0 victory against Richards Bay FC.
While the team is flying high, some new players remain on the sidelines. Assistant coach Khalil Ben Youssef has clarified that the delay in seeing them in action is not due to paperwork, as was previously assumed.
Chislett received his South African passport over a week ago, making him eligible for selection since the Polokwane City match. Silva’s work permit was approved just a day before the Richards Bay game. Shinga’s clearance has been issued.
CHISLETT SICK, SHINGA UNFIT, SILVA PAPERWORK DELAYED
Ben Youssef, who has been in charge alongside second assistant coach Cedric Kaze while head coach Nabi is on family leave, revealed the reasons behind the delayed debuts of the new signings.
He explained that Chislett missed a week of training due to illness, which prevented him from making his debut. However, the coach confirmed that the player has now recovered.
On the other hand, Ben Youssef stated that Silva was absent for the Richards Bay game because his work permit was approved too late. The technical team had already finalised the matchday squad and completed their tactical preparations for the game, leaving no room for the striker to be included.
Meanwhile, Shinga is still lacking match fitness, according to the coach. The left-back will need to work hard to improve his conditioning and earn a spot in the squad. “Shinga is ready and he has received his card to play, but still has some fitness work to do with our fitness coach, Majdi [Safi],” said Ben Youssef.
“Silva received his card to play yesterday [Monday] but it was late for us to include him in the team as we had already decided on the plan for the game and the last player, Ethan was sick last week, so he didn’t make it to any training sessions this week, that’s why he is not with us for this game.
“But they are all ready and cleared to play,” added the Amakhosi assistant coach.
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