Ben Youssef Explains Seven-Month Wait For Chislet Debut
Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has explained why Amakhosi waited more than seven months to hand Ethan Chislet his long-awaited debut at Naturena, insisting patience was key to the midfielder’s introduction.
The 26-year-old Durban-born midfielder, who grew up in England, joined Amakhosi in July 2025 on a two-year deal with an option to extend his contract by one more season after his contract with Port Vale ended on June 30 the same year.
Chislet arrived in Naturena with solid credentials, having scored four goals and provided three assists in 25 appearances for the English outfit.
However, life at Chiefs proved challenging from the outset. Despite being included in matchday squads twice last year, Chislet did not make it onto the pitch as the technical team opted to ease him into the squad.
Competition for places and tactical considerations meant the attacking midfielder had to wait patiently for his opportunity.
That opportunity finally came at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night, when Chiefs fell 2-1 to Stellenbosch in a Betway Premiership encounter. Chislet started the match and showed promising glimpses before being substituted in the second half as part of a series of changes by the technical team.
Ben Youssef defended the decision to delay Chislet’s debut, emphasizing the importance of timing and preparation.
“The answer is to be good like he was today (on Tuesday),” said Ben Youssef.
“We took seven months to field him because we were trying to introduce him like today and to be good in the best moments.
“When we introduced him today, I think you saw he was one of the best players on the field.”
The Tunisian mentor also addressed the impact of the second-half substitutions against Stellies, revealing his disappointment with the contribution of those who came off the bench.
“Yes, we made four changes at the same time in the second half (against Stellenbosch), but unfortunately it didn’t work as the players that came from the bench didn’t bring what we expected from them,” he added.
“For that, I think sometimes we have to analyze ourselves based on our performance because we have to correct mistakes.”
The defeat leaves Amakhosi fourth on the Betway Premiership standings with 30 points, increasing the pressure ahead of their next assignment.
Chiefs now turn their attention to a blockbuster Soweto Derby against arch-rivals Orlando Pirates at a sold-out FNB Stadium on Saturday.
With confidence in his display despite the loss, Chislet will be eager for more game time in one of South African football’s biggest fixtures, as the Phefeni Glamour Boys look to return to winning ways in front of a packed crowd.
