Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Sergio Dos Santos has raised concerns about the leadership of current club captain, Yusuf Maart.
In a recent discussion, Dos Santos pointed out that Maart, despite holding the captaincy, may not possess the critical qualities needed to lead a team like Kaizer Chiefs.
Maart’s Struggles to Secure a Starting Position
Maart, who joined Kaizer Chiefs from Sekhukhune United, has found himself regularly sidelined this season, with players like Thabo Cele and Sibongiseni Mthethwa outperforming him.
This lack of consistency in the starting lineup has raised questions about his role at the club, especially considering the expectations that come with wearing the captain’s armband.
Dos Santos Critiques Maart’s Penalty Miss
Dos Santos, who hasn’t coached Kaizer Chiefs for over two decades, shared his thoughts on Maart’s recent performance during a penalty kick.
“When Maart stepped up to take the penalty, I already knew he was going to miss,” Dos Santos confessed.
His reasoning was based on Maart’s body language, which he felt showed a lack of urgency or focus, giving the impression that he didn’t take the responsibility seriously enough.
Questions About Leadership and Attitude
The former Kaizer Chiefs manager was also perplexed by Maart’s decision to take the penalty, especially when Inacio Miguel has been the team’s designated penalty taker.
This decision, according to Dos Santos, further emphasized his doubts about Maart’s suitability for the captaincy.
“Maart is fortunate to be the captain of Kaizer Chiefs, especially since he’s not a regular starter,” he remarked.
Dos Santos continued to explain that the role of a captain is not just about wearing the armband, but about setting an example both on and off the pitch.
A captain, especially for a high-profile club like Kaizer Chiefs, needs to embody qualities such as discipline, commitment, and the drive to improve.
In Dos Santos’ view, Maart does not yet display these qualities, both in his playing style and his interactions with the media.
Maart’s Leadership: Special Treatment or Team Focus?
According to Dos Santos, one of Maart’s key flaws as a captain is his apparent desire for special treatment, a trait Dos Santos believes is shared with some younger players.
“As a captain, the focus should not be on being ‘special’; it should be on performing your duties so others can follow your lead,” he emphasized.
Unfortunately, Dos Santos feels this is currently missing from Maart’s leadership style.
What’s Next for Kaizer Chiefs and Maart’s Future?
With the current concerns surrounding Maart’s leadership and performance, many are left wondering what Kaizer Chiefs should do next.
Does Maart need to improve his approach to leadership, or is it time for a change at the top? These questions remain unanswered as the team continues to navigate a challenging season.