It’s always tough when a club loses not just a talented player, but a leader—someone who’s been at the heart of their tactical system.
That’s exactly what’s happening at Kaizer Chiefs as they bid farewell to their captain and midfield engine, Yusuf Maart.
After months of speculation, the move is now official: Maart is headed to Europe, signing with Austria’s newly promoted SV Ried.
A Deal That Boosts Chiefs’ Budget
Even though it’s a big emotional loss for Amakhosi, there’s a silver lining—this transfer comes with a hefty payout.
Just two months after Maart signed a contract extension in May, Kaizer Chiefs have cashed in with a reported €1 million deal (that’s around R20 million).
It’s money that could make a real impact, especially as the club eyes high-profile targets for their rebuild—most notably, Tanzanian playmaker Feisal Salum from Azam FC.
The Transfer is Now Official
Maart’s transfer became official after he passed his medical with SV Ried over the weekend.
The Austrian Bundesliga newcomers quickly made the announcement on Tuesday, confirming that the former Kaizer Chiefs captain is set to begin his European adventure.
Saying Farewell After a Rich South African Career
Yusuf Maart’s time in South African football has been impressive.
Before joining Chiefs in 2022, he played for Cape Umoya, Orlando Pirates, and Sekhukhune United.
Across his career, he racked up 130 appearances in the top flight, scoring 10 goals and assisting 10 more.
At Chiefs alone, Maart played 95 matches across all competitions, finding the net seven times—including the all-important winner in last season’s Nedbank Cup Final.
He also contributed eight assists during his three years in the gold and black.
Chiefs Thank Their Captain and Move Forward
In a statement, Kaizer Chiefs expressed their appreciation for Maart’s time at the club:
“The Club appreciates Maart’s contribution to Kaizer Chiefs and wishes him well in this new chapter in his career.”
Fans will certainly remember his leadership, work ethic, and decisive moments on the pitch.
What’s Next for Chiefs? Salum in the Spotlight
With Maart gone, all eyes now turn to his possible replacement.
Chiefs have been chasing Feisal Salum for a while now.
The 27-year-old midfield maestro from Tanzania is seen as the ideal candidate to step into the void Maart leaves behind.
After two failed bids, reports suggest Amakhosi are preparing a third—and possibly final—offer to bring him in.
Fans React and the Transfer Window Heats Up
Kaizer Chiefs supporters have mixed emotions about Maart’s departure—proud to see him chase his European dream, but anxious about the gap he leaves behind.
Will the R20 million from his transfer be enough to secure Salum? That’s the question on everyone’s mind.
