Yusuf Maart has revealed the real reason behind his departure from Kaizer Chiefs at the end of the 2024/25 season, confirming he had been working on a move to Europe months before the Nedbank Cup final. The 30-year-old midfielder, who scored the winning goal in last year's final to end Chiefs' 10-year trophy drought and lift the trophy against Orlando Pirates, left the Soweto giants in July to join Austrian second-tier side SV Ried. Maart admitted the club's co-coaches wanted him to stay and continue leading the team, but he felt the timing was right to take the next step in his career.
The move carries significant weight for both Maart and Chiefs. For the midfielder, it represents a long-held ambition to test himself in European football, an opportunity he felt might not come again at his age. For Chiefs, losing their most popular player and recent cup hero is a blow, especially after the club had just ended a decade-long silverware drought. Maart revealed that Chiefs were reluctant to let him go, with the coaching staff asking him to commit for a few more seasons, but the player's desire to experience European football ultimately won out.
Maart's departure leaves a leadership void in the Chiefs midfield, and the club will now need to find a replacement capable of matching his influence and big-game mentality. For Maart, the focus shifts to adapting to life in Austria with SV Ried, a club that recently earned promotion and will be looking to the experienced South African to make an immediate impact. Fans will be watching closely to see whether his gamble pays off, and whether Chiefs can fill the gap left by one of their most iconic modern figures.