Kaizer Chiefs’ new midfield signing told to ‘perform immediately’ amid pressure of big-club expectations

Though born in South Africa, Ethan Chislett spent most of his career in England’s lower leagues after moving there as a child.

Now, as he begins a new chapter in the Premier Soccer League, former Newcastle United winger Nikodimos Papavasiliou has shared some words of advice for the midfielder.

"What I know is that League One is physical and tough considering the number of games they play there," Papavasiliou, told KickOff.

"You can find good players in those leagues (League One and League Two).

"But with this player (Chislett), he will need time to adapt to the football here in Africa. This will depend on his quality, but Kaizer Chiefs is a big club, and he will need to perform immediately.

"The question is can he handle the pressure? You need to be mentally tough at big clubs. I’m sure once he is past the stage of adapting, then he will enjoy," he added.

"What I have noticed is that the game in South Africa is at a higher level having also watched Mamelodi Sundowns at the Club World Cup. I really liked them because they were playing and went there to play their way,"  he concluded. 

The 26-year-old is the son of former Manning Rangers and Zulu Royals player Donovan Chislett.

He recently played for Port Vale in England’s League Two, helping the club gain promotion. 

Now part of Nasreddine Nabi’s squad, Chislett will be eager to settle in quickly during Chiefs’ pre-season tour of the Netherlands.

Amakhosi are set to face Vitesse, FC Utrecht, NEC Nijmegen, PEC Zwolle, and FC Twente as they gear up for the new campaign.