JOHANNESBURG – Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has criticized the club’s signing of Ethan Chislett from Port Vale, arguing Chiefs should have pursued Sipho Mbule instead of the English League Two midfielder.
Chislett, 26, has agreed to a two-year deal with Chiefs with an option for extension, returning to South Africa after spending his professional career in England. The Durban-born playmaker has penned a two-year deal with an option to extend with the Soweto giants.
Khanye expressed doubts about the signing. “I see the guy, and if I’m not mistaken, I think he was playing in the second or third division wherever he is coming from. In terms of South African football, it’s more of a Vodacom (ABC Motsepe) League where he is coming from, I have been told,” he said.
The 26-year-old, who spent last season with Port Vale FC, chose not to renew his contract with the English League Two club. Following his departure from Port Vale, he reportedly attracted the interest of Scottish Premiership outfit Motherwell and EFL League One team Wigan.
The midfielder has never played in the PSL, having spent his career between AFC Wimbledon and Port Vale. He netted 16 goals with 13 assists in 168 games for Vale and AFC Wimbledon respectively over the past five seasons.
Khanye questioned Chiefs’ approach while rivals made different moves. “What Pirates have done with the signing of Sipho Mbule, that’s what Kaizer Chiefs should have done. Chiefs should have signed Mbule if they really wanted to compete in the Betway Premiership”, he added.
Orlando Pirates have announced the acquisition of midfielder Sipho Mbule, making him the club’s first confirmed new signing ahead of the 2025/26 season. The 27-year-old has been without a club since parting ways with Mamelodi Sundowns.
Mbule’s move to Pirates came after Sundowns opted not to extend his contract following reported off-field issues during his loan spell at Sekhukhune United. And before his confirmed move to Pirates, Mbule was heavily linked with a switch to Kaizer Chiefs, with his agent Mike Makaab even stating that the player had been offered to the club.
Agent Mike Makaab praised Chislett’s abilities despite the criticism. “He has a great engine, but his technical ability, to pass, score goals, set-pieces, it’s absolutely phenomenal”, Makaab said in a recent interview.
Born in Durban and raised in South Africa until age four, Chislett spent time in Southampton’s academy as a youth. His father Donovan previously played in the PSL.
Chislett explained his decision to return. “When I look at South African football, I see players standing on the ball. You don’t see this in the Premier League. I think that’s what I need to unlock within myself, because I’ve got that in me”, he said.
While Khanye acknowledged the role of agents, he maintained his skepticism. “I don’t think it’s the right direction for Chiefs, but it’s too early to judge without having seen what the guy can offer”.
Sources within the Amakhosi technical team have confirmed the player will arrive in the country on Thursday to start life with the Soweto giants. Chiefs are preparing for their European pre-season tour, departing July 3.
