Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Yusuf Maart has opened up on his adaptation to life in Europe as he continues to wait for a recall to the Bafana Bafana fold.
The ex-Amakhosi captain has become a mainstay for SV Ried, establishing himself as the most frequent starter in the squad. In a stellar debut season, the midfielder has featured in 27 of the club’s 29 league matches—more starts than any of his teammates in the Austrian Bundesliga.
Maart has been equally reliable in cup competition, making five appearances in the ÖFB Cup and registering an assist. His consistent form is reflected in his statistics, with FotMob ranking him among the club’s top three performers this campaign with an impressive 7.23 rating.
However, despite settling quickly in Europe and maintaining such high standards abroad, the 30-year-old remains on the periphery of the national team.
THE RISE BEFORE KAIZER CHIEFS MOVE
Hailing from Atlantis, Western Cape, Maart emerged from local amateur sides Aberdeen and Jomo Power. He was later spotted by Roger De Sa for Cape Umoya United in the National First Division [NFD].
He soon moved to Orlando Pirates before establishing himself as a Betway Premiership star at Sekhukhune United and with Bafana Bafana. His performances there convinced Chiefs to make a move.
Maart made 56 appearances for Sekhukhune United, 95 for Chiefs and earned 12 caps for Bafana, underlining his consistency at both club and international level.
According to ‘Yussie,’ Europe has been faster, and more physically demanding compared to the Betway Premiership.
Despite his steady progress abroad and consistency, Maart remains outside the current Bafana Bafana setup. He left Chiefs on a high and somewhat legendary status. Maart struck the winner in a dramatic 2-1 victory over bitter enemies Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 10 May 2025, finally ending the club’s 10-year trophy drought.
His iconic 80th-minute volley with his weaker left foot secured the Nedbank Cup title, Chiefs’ first major piece of silverware since the 2014/15 Premiership triumph.
MAART OPENS UP ON ‘PHYSICAL’ AUSTRIA REALITIES AND BAFANA BAFANA AMBITIONS
Maart has now opened up on the realities of playing in Austria. He says the environment suits his style of play as he continues to adapt and work his way forward.
“To be honest, it is tougher [in the Austrian Bundesliga], more physical, and there is more running. The players are more physical and stronger,” he said on the Soccer Beat podcast.
“But I am that kind of player who can work the ball, steal the ball or go for a tackle. So it also suits me.”
On his Bafana ambitions and omission, Maarta added: “Obviously, the coach [Hugo Broos] knows what I have done, but it is his decision. Tony [SV Ried South African teammate Antonio Van Wyk] has been top as well. He has been brilliant. He can drop deep and is dangerous in one-on-ones. He is still young, too [23 years old]. But from my side, it is about respect… We just work hard until the opportunity comes,” Maart concluded.
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