SV Ried assistant coach Moritz Kossmann has explained why Yusuf Maart’s performances in Austria deserve consideration for a Bafana Bafana recall under Pitso Mosimane.
Maart is in his second season at Austrian Bundesliga side SV Ried, where he works with Kossmann, a former Ubuntu FC and Cape Town City FC DStv Diski Challenge coach. Another South African star, Jaedin Rhodes, is also at the Austrian outfit.
Since arriving at SV Ried in July 2025 after three seasons at Kaizer Chiefs, where he rose to club captain, Maart has quickly established himself as a key player. He has continued on that path this season as he enjoys regular football in Austria
In that period, the 31-year-old has scored two goals and provided four assists in 14 matches across all competitions.
YUSUF MAART’S QUALITIES EXPLAINED
Kossmann explains what makes Maart, an Orlando Pirates product, a complete footballer and how he has become a key player for SV Ried.
“Yusuf has done really well in Austria. Last season he already was a real key player for us in the midfield and one of the big reasons why we had a very good debut season in the league,” Kossmann told FARPost.
“In fact, you know, we won the lower playoff, and we were in contention for Europe right up until the last day of the season. And I think he was an important part of that team.
“This season he has continued with very good performances. He’s obviously what I would call a two-way midfielder. He has the ability to defend exceptionally well, especially in a small space.
“He’s proved it against some of the best players in the league. And he also has this ability with the ball, the playmaking, to help the team progress up the field. I think he’s also got a couple of assists this season already.
“He’s become a good set-piece taker for us. Obviously, he can also give you the long throw if that’s something you want to do.”
WHY MAART IS FIT FOR BAFANA: ‘ONE OF BUNDESLIGA’S TOP MIDFIELDERS’
In just almost a season and a half in Austria, Maart has worked hard to earn some mention as one of the Bundesliga’s best midfielders. That could explain why he has become important to SV Ried, as the club tied him to an improved contract in September.
During Hugo Broos‘ early days as Bafana coach, Maart enjoyed some national team call-ups. But he fell by the wayside as Broos opted against Chiefs players, citing the Soweto giants’ struggles as the reason he overlooked their stars.
But with the ex-Amakhosi captain showing grit and effectiveness in the SV Ried engine room, he has been raising his hand for a return to the national side.
“So, I believe that he is one of the top midfielders in the Austrian Bundesliga and consequently, in my opinion, he is someone that would definitely do well if he’s given a chance again in the Bafana setup,” Kossmann made a compelling Bafana case for Maart.
“I think he’s got a high football IQ, and he’s also someone that I believe, in any team environment he’s in, he adds value to it with his positive energy.”
Over the years, the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns’ Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole and Pirates’ Thalente Mbatha have been highly competitive in the Bafana central midfield, and in the process shutting out Maart.
“Obviously there’s stiff competition in his position in the national team, I’m aware of that,” Kossmann went on.
“Obviously, Mokwena, for example, is a top player, Sithole is also doing well in Europe, and there’s a host of others. But I think, yeah, he would for sure add value.”
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