Yusuf Maart left Kaizer Chiefs to join Austrian club SV Ried on July 1, 2025. His departure surprised many, especially since he was the team captain and had just led them to victory in the Nedbank Cup.
The transfer negotiations lasted for three months before the end of the 2024/25 season. Maart scored the winning goal in the Nedbank Cup final against Orlando Pirates, ending Chiefs’ decade-long trophy drought.
SV Ried approached Maart with optimism about their chances in the Austrian Bundesliga. They believe his experience will bolster their squad as they aim for promotion.
Before finalizing his move, Maart trained alone for two weeks. This period allowed him to prepare mentally and physically for his new challenge in European football.
Chiefs were reluctant to let Maart leave. They wanted him to stay for a few more seasons, recognizing his leadership and contributions on the field.
Maart expressed his eagerness for this opportunity. He said, “I told them if everything is good, why not?” He added, “It’s an opportunity I don’t want to miss—to play in Europe and experience it.”
He also mentioned, “My mind is already made up, and as a player, if your mind is made up, you won’t be the same player you were before.” This indicates his commitment to making an impact at SV Ried.
The move marks Maart’s first career transition to Europe. Fans of both clubs are eager to see how this change will affect his performance and leadership qualities.
