Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has shed light on the seven-month wait for Ethan Chislett to make his competitive debut, an absence that had sparked speculation since the playmaker’s arrival at Naturena earlier this season.
The former Port Vale FC standout joined the Soweto giants ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, having played a pivotal role in guiding the Valiants to League One promotion. His arrival in Naturena carried high expectations, underpinned by a two-year contract with a club option to extend.
Despite the fanfare, Chislett remained sidelined for the bulk of the season, finally making his long-awaited debut on Tuesday night at FNB Stadium. While his individual performance was a silver lining, it was overshadowed by a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Stellenbosch FC in their Betway Premiership clash.
The 27-year-old lasted 70 minutes, showcasing his versatility as both a creative number 10 and a box-to-box eight before being replaced by Mduduzi Shabalala. His introduction to South African football was delayed by an injury sustained alongside other complicating factors—a situation that became a growing point of contention among the Amakhosi faithful during his prolonged absence.
WHAT KHALIL BEN YOUSSEF SAID ABOUT ETHAN CHISLETT’S DEBUT FOR KAIZER CHIEFS
Following a satisfying performance in his long-awaited debut on Tuesday, Ben Youssef briefly explained that the seven-month wait for Chislett’s Amakhosi’s debut was a matter of timing, claiming he wanted to find the ‘best moment’ for the player to step in.
Ben Youssef further noted that the 27-year-old midfielder was “one of the best players” on the night.
“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 [Tuesday]. He was one of the best players tonight,” said Ben Youssef.
Following Tuesday’s encouraging display, Chislett will be hoping to retain his place in the starting line-up as Chiefs face a mammoth task this Saturday, 28 February, when they host arch-rivals Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium. Kick-off for the highly anticipated Soweto Derby is scheduled for 15:30.
With 16 matches played, Amakhosi sit fourth in the Betway Premiership standings. Their 30-point tally leaves them eight points adrift of Mamelodi Sundowns. The defending champions currently share the summit of the log with Pirates, both of whom have collected 38 points from 17 matches.
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