Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Yusuf Maart has explained why he left the Soweto giants at the end of the 2024/25 season.
The 30-year-old midfielder was the most popular player at Amakhosi when the season ended having scored the winning goal in the Nedbank Cup final last year.
His goal gave Chiefs their first trophy in 10 years and was the one who had the honour of lifting the trophy following their 2-1 win over rivals Orlando Pirates.
In July, Maart left Chiefs to join Austrian side SV Ried.
Speaking on Soccerbeat, the former Bafana Bafana midfielder revealed that he had been eyeing a move to Europe before the Nedbank Cup final.
“It was like three months [working on SV Ried transfer] before the league [2024/25 season] ended. They called me for a Zoom meeting with my agent [Karabo Tshabuse], and they asked me if I was willing to come,” he said.
“I told them if everything is good, why not?”
“If they can sort it out by the club, Chiefs. For me, I’m ready to take the next step.”
Maart scored the winning goal for Chiefs in Nedbank Cup final
“I told them [Chiefs] that it’s a possibility that when the season ends, I can leave. They said Yusuf, ‘let’s see because we need you for a few more seasons,’” Maart explained.
The former Sekhukhune United star said Chiefs were not willing to let him go just yet but he felt this could be his only opportunity to play in Europe.
“For me, it was an opportunity at my age.
“They said we can talk again about it. When the team [Ried] got promoted, I went home to enjoy my holiday in Cape Town.
“I came back, trained with the team [Chiefs] for about two or three weeks. But obviously they [Ried] are calling on the other side.”
Maart said Kaizer Chiefs co-coaches wanted him to stay and continue to lead the team.
“The Chiefs coaches asked me to stay, but I said it’s an opportunity I don’t want to miss out on playing in Europe and see what it feels.
“They disagreed. But obviously SV Ried were going on the side with the club.”