Just when many thought his time at Naturena might be up, Kaizer Chiefs have reportedly made a firm decision about the future of their skipper, Yusuf Maart.
With pre-season preparations kicking off soon, the club has chosen stability—and possibly redemption.
Contract Countdown Forces Chiefs Into Action
Maart’s original three-year deal is set to expire on June 30, and that looming deadline meant the club had to make a call.
Letting their captain walk away for free, especially after what he’s recently brought to the squad, would have been a bold—and perhaps unpopular—move.
A Promising Start With Plenty of Hype
When Maart made the switch from Sekhukhune United to Chiefs, it wasn’t just a regular transfer—it was a marquee signing, reportedly valued at around R10-12 million. Fans were excited.
His early performances, especially netting two goals in Soweto Derby clashes during his debut season, only added to the buzz.
The fact that he’s a former Orlando Pirates academy player made those goals even sweeter.
From Leader to Scapegoat in Two Seasons
As time went on, Maart stepped into a leadership role at the club and eventually wore the captain’s armband.
But the next two seasons didn’t go smoothly for Chiefs, and with poor form and frustrations mounting, many fans pointed fingers at the skipper.
As the team’s struggles continued, Maart became a symbol of what was going wrong—fair or not, supporters began calling for his release.
The Turnaround No One Saw Coming
Fast-forward to the end of last season, and Maart’s narrative had shifted once again.
He found form at the right time and played a huge part in Chiefs’ late resurgence.
His thunderous half-volley against Orlando Pirates secured the Nedbank Cup, ending a painful 10-year trophy drought for the club.
That goal alone might’ve earned him a new lease on life at Naturena.
Agent Confirms New Deal Is On the Table
In a surprising but welcome twist, Maart’s agent, Karabo Tshabuse, has now confirmed to SABC Sport that a contract renewal is happening.
“Yes, we are renewing his (Maart’s) contract at Chiefs in the coming week,” Tshabuse said.
That means the captain who once looked set to be shown the door will now stay on and help lead the club into the next chapter.
Fans Still Split On Whether He Deserves It
The reaction among Amakhosi supporters is mixed.
Some see Maart’s extension as a reward for loyalty and leadership.
Others still remember the tough stretches and aren’t sure if he’s the right man to wear the armband moving forward.
Either way, it looks like Yusuf Maart will get another shot to create more lasting memories with Kaizer Chiefs—and possibly add more silverware to his name.