Quiet captain, loud legacy: Maart’s unseen value at Chiefs

YUSUF Maart is not a man of many words — and perhaps that’s why his presence and personality sometimes defied expectations of a Kaizer Chiefs captain.

- MIHLALI BALEKA

Chiefs are one of the biggest sporting brands in South Africa, and as such, their leaders are expected to command presence the moment they walk into a room. Unfortunately for Maart — who is reportedly on his way to Austrian club SV Ried, despite recently renewing his contract — he wasn't always perceived as that kind of figure.

By the time he was being judged for his leadership qualities both on and off the pitch, alongside his performances, many had already made up their minds. He wasn't everyone’ cup of tea.

Accused of being “too soft” to captain Chiefs, Maart also suffered dips in form — as every player does — but his quieter personality made him an easy target for criticism. That combination resulted in a complicated, often harsh, love-hate relationship with fans.