Ethan Chislett: Chiefs coach explains why it took seven months to unleash new signing

Kaizer Chiefs fans finally got a glimpse of midfielder Ethan Chislett, who signed for the club before the start of the season, but had not made his debut.

Chislett’s situation had become a cause for concern among Chiefs fans after he arrived with much fanfare, having left English club Port Vale, where he had spent the previous two years.

The Durban-born midfielder spent the whole of his career playing in England but opted to return home when his contract with Port Vale ended with Chiefs reacting quickly to sign him.

Bright Chiefs start for Chislett

However, despite being part of the club’s pre-season tour of the Netherlands, Chislett had not played competitively for Amakhosi until on Tuesday, some seven months since his signing, and it was a bright start despite Chiefs losing 2-1 at home to Stellenbosch.

Chislett showed great quality on the ball with his passing impressive and also had a couple of chances, one which drew a good diving save from Stellies goalkeeper Sage Stephens.

Chiefs co-coach Kaze has explained why the club took their time before unleashing the 27-year-old.

Why did it take so long?

“So that he can be like that,” Ben Youssef said as quoted by The Cape Times. “We waited for seven months so that he could be as good as he was today. We wanted to introduce him at the right moment. He was one of the best players.”

Chislett has now put himself in the frame for the Soweto Derby with Chiefs set to welcome bitter rivals Orlando Pirates at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.

His performances in 68 minutes of his debut showed flashes of brilliance that Amakhosi hope can spur them to success as they fight for the league title with Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.