A familiar name with deep South African roots is set to bolster Kaizer Chiefs‘ midfield. Former AFC Wimbledon midfielder Ethan Chislett has reportedly landed in the country to complete a move to join Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs on a two-year deal.
The 26-year-old Chislett was born in Durban but moved to England with his family at a young age. He started playing football for Southampton’s academy and made his mark in England’s lower leagues before moving to League One’s AFC Wimbledon in 2020.
After lighting up League One with Wimbledon, Chislett joined Port Vale, where he continued to sharpen his eye for goal before deciding it was time to take on a new challenge at Chiefs.
At Port Vale, Director of football Dave Flitcroft described Chislett as a “player that loves to find space in between midfield players and defenders. His timing of runs into the box to create goalscoring opportunities is outstanding.”
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Throughout his career, he’s been known to have an eye for goal as well. In the last five seasons, he’s found the back of the net 31 times playing from midfield, which is something Kaizer Chiefs have been dying for in recent seasons.
Football runs deep in the Chislett bloodline. His grandfather Gordon, who passed away earlier this year, played international football for South Africa before sporting isolation, while his father Donovan played in the PSL for Manning Rangers.
Earlier this year, Chislett made it known he had an ambition to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps and play international football for Bafana Bafana one day.
“I’m 26 now. I’m just going to put it simply. I want to play for South Africa. I think the unfortunate passing of my granddad – I’d have liked him to see me represent South Africa – but some things aren’t meant to be,” the midfielder was quoted by FARPost in May.
“So, I think that’s my burning desire: to represent South Africa. And I know you can do that anywhere in the world, but I think the best opportunity would be to play in South Africa and represent South Africa, if that makes sense.”
With his grandfather’s legacy in his heart and a clear hunger to wear national colours, Chislett’s move to Chiefs isn’t just a career switch – it’s a homecoming with purpose.
Sport
