Kaizer Chiefs midfielder and captain Yusuf Maart has revealed his approach to handling online abuse. Athletes globally face a barrage of online abuse, frequently becoming targets due to factors outside their complete control, such as individual or team performance.
Maart has unfortunately experienced the harsh side of social media, with a portion of Kaizer Chiefs fans among those directing criticism his way. Ahead of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season, Maart was given a huge responsibility after he was named captain by the new coach Nasreddine Nabi.
Three games into the new campaign, the Bafana Bafana international seems to be handling the role well, leading the team. Amakhosi have registered two wins against Marumo Gallants and AmaZulu FC. The Soweto giants suffered a defeat at the hands of reigning defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
WHAT YUSUF MAART SAID ABOUT ONLINE ABUSE
While acknowledging that online negativity can sting, the talented midfielder chooses to prioritise his well-being by not engaging with social media, recognising that it can be a platform for hurtful and unsolicited opinions.
“To be honest, if you take note of social media, it will kill you. At the end of the day, if you read the comments it will hurt your feelings, you are a human being. So I don’t go there, so I don’t know what’s going on [Maart being criticised online] to be honest with you,” said Maart.
Maart further disclosed how it has been leading a big team like Chiefs, citing that he’s getting help from other [senior] players so the team remains united.
“There are a lot of players that have been here for a long time, so it’s not only on me. So they are helping where they can as they are helping me as a captain, so with everyone we click together.
“We have conversations, talk to each other and know what is in everyone’s life where we can. And to understand a person, not make a person angry,” he added.
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