Kaizer Chiefs have made it clear that they’re committed to keeping their captain, Yusuf Maart, for the foreseeable future, despite growing fan criticism and intense transfer interest.
The club has moved quickly to block his rumored return to Sekhukhune United by triggering a clause in his contract, ensuring that the talented midfielder remains at Naturena.
The Background on Maart’s Contract and Future at Chiefs
Yusuf Maart joined Kaizer Chiefs with a lot of expectations, following his high-profile R6 million transfer from Sekhukhune United.
He signed a three-year deal, which is now coming to an end in June.
With his contract winding down, speculation about his future began to swirl, particularly with rumors of him returning to Sekhukhune United.
However, Chiefs took swift action, activating an option in his contract to extend his stay at the club, effectively putting an end to the transfer talk—at least for now.
Maart’s Changing Role at Kaizer Chiefs
When Maart first arrived at Kaizer Chiefs, he was already a well-established international player for South Africa, known for his dynamic energy and attacking style in midfield.
However, over time, his role has shifted from an attacking playmaker to a more defensive position, where he is responsible for controlling the pace of the game and protecting the backline.
This change has not been well received by some fans, who have questioned his effectiveness in the new role and whether he deserves to wear the captain’s armband.
Despite the criticism, Maart has still managed to produce moments of brilliance on the field.
His technical skills and calm demeanor under pressure remain a valuable asset to Chiefs, even if his impact has been inconsistent.
Chiefs Show Confidence in Maart’s Leadership
Despite the mixed reactions from the fans, Kaizer Chiefs have shown their confidence in Maart by assigning him the captaincy.
The club believes that Maart has the potential to be a strong, vocal leader, even though he is known for his quieter nature.
Inside the dressing room, his leadership is highly respected by his teammates and coaches, and Chiefs are hoping that his leadership qualities will continue to shine through as he takes on a more prominent role in guiding the team.
Sekhukhune’s Pursuit of Maart Blocked
While Sekhukhune United had hoped to bring Maart back for the 2025/2026 season, Chiefs have now effectively shut down those plans by activating the contract extension clause.
Sekhukhune had been hoping to negotiate a pre-contract deal with Maart as his contract was nearing its end, but Chiefs’ quick response shows that they still see him as an important part of their future.
This move underlines that Kaizer Chiefs are not only committed to keeping Maart but also see him as a key figure in their squad moving forward.
Maart’s Impact at Kaizer Chiefs
As Maart enters the final stretch of his third season at Chiefs, his statistics speak for themselves.
In his time at the club, he has made 90 appearances, scored eight goals, and provided six assists.
These contributions are significant, especially considering his shift to a deeper, more tactical midfield role.
Maart’s influence on the pitch remains undeniable, and his consistency continues to be a driving force for the club.
What’s Next for Maart and Kaizer Chiefs?
As Yusuf Maart’s future with Kaizer Chiefs becomes more secure, fans and pundits alike will be watching to see how he continues to adapt to his evolving role.
His leadership and performances will be key factors as Chiefs look to strengthen their squad for the seasons ahead.