It will be a surreal homecoming for Durban-born Ethan Chislett, Kaizer Chiefs’ new midfielder, when the club participates in the Toyota Cup in Durban later this month.
When the talented 26-year-old runs out onto the hallowed turf of Moses Mabhida Stadium, it will not only be as a player for one of South Africa’s most storied clubs, but as a son returning to his roots.
Chiefs take on Ghanaian heavyweights Asante Kotoko SC in the upcoming second edition of the Toyota Cup, and it promises to be a poignant moment for Chislett.
Another great training session💪🏋♂️🏃🏾♂️ 🇳🇱#Amakhosi4Life #KCNetherlands #KCPreSeason pic.twitter.com/qcXkdzQs4X
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) July 14, 2025
At six-years olf, Chislett emigrated with his family from Durban to the UK, where he forged an impressive career in the lower tiers of the English Football League, most recently helping Port Vale to promotion into League One for the 2024/25 season.
Now, he returns to his land of birth to get a first taste of domestic Mzansi-style football, after leaving Port Vale at the end of his contract and being snapped up by Chiefs.
Speaking about possibly playing at Moses Mabhida, Chislett told www.kaizerchiefs.com: “It will probably be surreal.
“It is something I will look back on. Sometimes, when you are in the moment, you do not 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.”
It is because of them that we make a noise. Every touch is a celebration. Forever part of the family. We left the best for last. #ToyotaxKaizerChiefs #WhatItMeans #ToyotaSA #Amakhosi4Life @ToyotaSA pic.twitter.com/oZvWUbpvbt
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) July 14, 2025
Chislett has all the attributes to become a vital cog in Chiefs’ ambitious vision for the coming season, describing himself as a “versatile midfielder – can sit deep, play further forward, and wide right – even striker a few times, although more in a ‘false 9’ role. 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 experienced enough to know that pretty football alone is not enough.
“I appreciate creativity, but the bottom line is you have to score goals to win games. I will try to rise to the occasion when called upon to make a decisive contribution to my team, and that motivates me.”
Chislett is quick to acknowledge the hospitality he has received since arriving at his new ‘home’ at Naturena, the club’s headquarters south of Johannesburg. He is currently with the Soweto Giants on their 12-day tour of the Netherlands, where they will be playing five friendlies.
“Joining a new club is never the easiest thing in the world. You must adapt,” he admits, before adding,
“But since I joined, everyone has been amazing, and I am so happy here. This is why I love South Africa; everyone smiles, and I am fitting in. 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, stating:
“It’s an exciting time for me, and I am looking to attack these challenges head-on.”
