Kaizer Chiefs’ newly acquired striker Ethan Chislett wants to impress the people in his hometown, Durban, when he makes his debut for Amakhosi against Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko in the Toyota Cup at the Moses Mabhida Stadium next Saturday.
Making his debut for Chiefs will be a poignant moment for the talented 26-year-old midfielder who was born in eThekwini before emigrating with his family to the UK at the age of six.
In the UK, he forged an impressive career in the lower tiers of the English Football League. Most recently helping Port Vale to promotion into League One in 2024/25.
Chislett told the club’s website that playing at Moses Mabhida is something that he will look back on.
Surreal experience
“It will probably be surreal. It’s something I’ll look back on. Sometimes when you’re in the moment you don’t take everything in but afterwards it will fully sink in. I came to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup and watched a match in that stadium. So it’s going to be unreal for me, and my family, to play there.”
According to Chiefs, Chislett has all the attributes to become a vital cog in Amakhosi’s ambitious vision for the coming season. He described himself as a “versatile midfielder who can sit deep, play further forward and wide right, even strike a few times, although more in a ‘false 9’ role”.
He said: “I like to cut in from the left onto my right foot. But if I had to define my best position, it would be a ‘number 10’.”
He is also experienced enough to know that pretty football alone is not enough.
More about scoring goals
“I appreciate creativity, but the bottom line is you have to score goals to win games. I’d like to think I can rise to the occasion when called upon to make a decisive contribution for my team. And that’s what motivates me.”
Chislett is quick to acknowledge the hospitality he has received since arriving at his new “home” at Naturena.
“Joining a new club is never the easiest thing in the world. You have to adapt, but since I joined, everyone has been amazing, and I am so happy here. This is why I love South Africa; everyone smiles. I’d like to say I am fitting in really well. It’s a credit to my new teammates and the management staff for welcoming me so warmly.”
Although the player concedes a lack of deep familiarity with his new surroundings and the culture of local football, he is hungry to absorb as much as he can as soon as possible.
“It’s a really exciting time for me, and I am looking to attack these challenges head-on.”
