The long-running saga of Ethan Chislett and Nkanyiso Shinga’s absence from the Kaizer Chiefs matchday squad appears to be reaching a dramatic climax. After months of technical “conditioning” and injury setbacks, Amakhosi co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has dropped the strongest hint yet that the duo will finally make their competitive bows.
Ben Youssef was speaking to the media on Monday afternoon at the Kaizer Chiefs Village, while his squad was put through their paces in preparation for Tuesday night’s Betway Premiership clash against Stellenbosch FC at the FNB Stadium.
Significantly, both Chislett and Shinga were spotted training at full tilt with the rest of the squad, looking sharp and fully integrated during the final tactical drills. Their presence in the main group—rather than on the sidelines—further fuels the belief that their registration “limbo” is over.
Since the 2025/26 campaign began, the two signings have been the subject of intense scrutiny. Despite joining with high expectations—Chislett from English League One side Port Vale and Shinga following a nomadic seven-year stint in Portugal—neither has played a single minute of competitive football for the Glamour Boys.
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When pressed for an update on their availability for the Stellies tie, Ben Youssef was direct.
“Tomorrow you will get your results. Tomorrow, you will get your answer,” Ben Youssef told journalists, sparking immediate excitement that the duo will be included in the matchday squad to face the Western Cape side.
The hint comes at a critical juncture. Having recently been knocked out of the CAF Confederation Cup group stages and previously exiting both the Carling Knockout and Nedbank Cup, the league remains the only path to silverware for the Soweto giants.
The journey to this “answer” has been a slow burn. Back in November 2025, co-coach Cedric Kaze revealed that Chislett was battling a “tricky” injury. Although he returned to training before the December clash against Chippa United, the medical team opted for further conditioning rather than rushing the Durban-born playmaker into the fold.
Chislett, whose father played for Manning Rangers, reportedly joined Chiefs with the ambition of catching the eye of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, the halfway point of the season passed with both he and Shinga remaining the only outfield players—aside from goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma—yet to feature.
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While the door seems to be opening for the new recruits, Ben Youssef confirmed that the medical room isn’t entirely empty. The club will be without the services of striker Etiosa Ighodaro and defender Reeve Frosler.
“Ighodaro is still far away; he needs two more weeks,” Ben Youssef stated. “And also, Reeve [Frosler] is out. But I think the other players are ready for tomorrow and for our next game.”
Adding to the injury woes, midfielder George Matlou appears to be facing another long-term layoff after being seen in a knee brace at training.
Meanwhile, Chiefs come into the Stellies game after a nine-day break, sitting in fourth place with 30 points. While they trail leaders Orlando Pirates by eight points, they hold two games in hand—making every point vital ahead of Saturday’s massive Soweto Derby.
The pressure is on to reverse a poor run against Gavin Hunt’s men, having already lost to the Cape Winelands side twice this season in cup competitions. Kick-off at FNB Stadium is at 19:30.
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