Kaizer Chiefs have jetted off to the Netherlands for their pre-season preparations, but their squad list has raised eyebrows, notably due to the absence of midfield dynamo Yusuf Maart. His omission is not injury-related. In fact, it’s a clear sign of a significant career move on the horizon.
The 29-year-old midfielder is poised to complete a switch to Austrian Bundesliga newcomers SV Ried, in what marks the end of a three-year stint with the Soweto giants. Initially expected to stay on for at least another season — with reports suggesting he was close to triggering a contract extension — Maart has instead opted for a fresh start in Europe.
Kaizer Chiefs star makes a massive u-turn
During his time at Chiefs, the former Sekhukhune United man featured 95 times, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists. He played a pivotal role in the engine room and even wore the captain’s armband, underlining his importance to the team. However, with a new chapter awaiting him in Austria, his departure leaves a leadership void and tactical gap that Chiefs will now need to address.
SV Ried, who recently secured promotion to Austria’s top flight, already boast South African winger Antonio van Wyk among their ranks — offering Maart a familiar face as he adjusts to life abroad. The move represents a significant step in Maart’s career, giving him the opportunity to test himself in a European league and possibly raise his international profile.
Dodged a bullet?
Meanwhile, Chiefs fans may be wondering whether the club has dodged a bullet with another name — Oswin Appollis. After a breakout 2023/24 campaign with six goals and three assists, the winger struggled to replicate that form in 2024/25.
With just two goals and one assist in 25 league appearances, Appollis fell short of expectations under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. While Polokwane rose one place up the table, his personal dip in performance casts doubts on whether he was ready for a bigger stage.
Chiefs may have lost Maart, but perhaps they dodged a misfire elsewhere.
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The post No contract extension: Kaizer Chiefs star makes massive U-Turn appeared first on iHarare News.
