The captaincy of Yusuf Maart at Kaizer Chiefs has become a point of discussion, with a respected club legend now offering their perspective on the midfielder’s leadership.
Maart was appointed Chiefs captain ahead of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season by experienced Tunisian mentor Nasreddine Nabi.
Before joining Chiefs in the 2022/23 season, Maart demonstrated his leadership capabilities as captain of Sekhukhune United during the 2021/22 PSL campaign. His impressive performances, which earned him Bafana Bafana call-ups, distinguished his tenure at Sekhukhune.
But given Amakhosi’s rebuilding efforts to challenge for silverware Maart’s captaincy and playing abilities in midfield have been met with skepticism from pundits and supporters, despite his past leadership experience.
In the current season, Maart, whose contract with Chiefs expires in June 2025, has had a fluctuating role in the starting lineup, making a total of 20 appearances across all competitions. He has scored one goal and provided three assists.
In Maart’s absence, Angolan defender Inacio Miguel has taken the captaincy, demonstrating leadership from the defensive line.
PATRICK MAYO SAYS YUSUF MAART IS NOT MENTALLY STRONG TO LEAD CHIEFS
The former Chiefs striker-cum-defender says Maart doesn’t have a strong mentality to captain Chiefs. He further gave examples of former Chiefs captains who led the team very well which includes Patrick Mabhedi, Cyril Nzama and Itumeleng Khune.
“For me, Yusuf Maart is not mentally strong to be a captain. Look at the calibre of captains that have been at Chiefs in the past,” Mayo told FARPost.
“There were the likes of Patrick Mabhedi, Cyril Nzama and Itumeleng Khune; the list goes on. They had strong characters on and off the field. Maart is not at that level. As a captain you should be consistent in your performances. With Maart, he can give you a good performance, then next game, he’s quiet.
“I think some people don’t have leadership qualities in their blood. They are given the captain’s armband because they are wonderful players and hard workers.”
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