Kaizer Chiefs have officially announced the transfer of experienced midfielder Yusuf Maart to Austrian Football Bundesliga club SV Oberbank Ried.
The 29-year-old Bafana Bafana international, who has been a consistent performer in the Betway Premiership, will now embark on a new chapter in Europe.
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Maart joined the Amakhosi from Sekhukhune United in 2022 and quickly established himself as a key figure in the squad.
Over his three seasons at Naturena, he made a notable 95 appearances across all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists. His impactful contributions included the winning goal in last season’s Nedbank Cup Final, a testament to his influence on the pitch.
His strong displays had reportedly attracted interest from several European teams, but it is newly-promoted SV Oberbank Ried that has secured his services on a two-year deal.
In a statement confirming his departure, Kaizer Chiefs acknowledged Maart’s contributions: “Midfielder, Yusuf Maart has left Amakhosi to join newly-promoted Austrian Football Bundesliga outfit, SV Ried.
The 29-year-old joined Chiefs from Sekhukhune United in July 2022, making his debut away to Royal AM the following month, and featured in 95 matches in the Gold & Black in all competitions, scoring seven times, including the winning goal in last season’s Nedbank Cup Final.
The erstwhile skipper also weighed in with eight assists in his three seasons at Naturena. The Club appreciates Maart’s contribution to Kaizer Chiefs and wishes him well in this new chapter in his career.”
SV Oberbank Ried’s Managing Director of Sport expressed great satisfaction with the signing, highlighting Maart’s qualities. “We are very happy that Yusuf has decided to join SV Oberbank Ried.
We have been watching him for a long time and are convinced that he fits perfectly with our idea of play,” he told the club’s website. “Yusuf is a very complete midfielder: He can control the game, is strong in tackles, has a high willingness to run and also has a good eye for his teammates.
He also brings leadership qualities that will be good for our young team. Especially his international experience and his mentality of always wanting to win were decisive factors for us in this signing.”
A clearly delighted Maart shared his excitement about the move: “This is a great opportunity for me to play here in Europe. I am very much looking forward to gaining new experiences.
I want to give my best in every game, be a great person for the team on and off the pitch. I know Austrian football as highly intense and physical. Ried is known for the great atmosphere in the stadium and its fans.”
Maart’s move marks another significant step in his career, as he prepares to test his abilities in a competitive European league.