Kaizer Chiefs may have new central midfield stars, but not everyone believes they’ve replaced what they lost when Yusuf Maart left.
One man who knows that better than most is Cole Alexander, who played and competed for the same spot in midfield alongside Maart during their time together at Naturena.
COLE ALEXANDER ON YUSUF MAART LEGACY AT KAIZER CHIEFS
“His ability on the ball was outstanding. No disrespect to anyone there at the moment, but for me, Maart was one of the most complete players I’ve seen and got to enjoy playing next to,” the Mitchells Plain-born Alexander added.
“If I’m totally honest, Maart achieved what I wish I could have achieved at Chiefs,” he added. “That was my goal, to be part of the team that broke the trophy drought.
“What made him special wasn’t just what he did on the field, but how he handled the pressure and criticism. He kept coming to the party in every game despite all the hate. It was fantastic to witness.
“He left on a high,” Cole said proudly. “He’s definitely missed at Kaizer Chiefs. There are good players there, but Maart was special. He’d be one of the first names I’d put on my team sheet.”
YUSUF MAART BEFORE AND AFTER AMAKHOSI
After that historic triumph, Maart, 30, from Atlantis, Western Cape, fulfilled his European dream by joining SV Ried in Austria.
Maart had joined Amakhosi in 2022 from Sekhukhune United, after earlier spells with Cape Umoya United and Orlando Pirates’ reserves. In total, he made 95 appearances, scored seven goals, and laid on eight assists in gold and black.
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