Kaizer Chiefs have officially confirmed the departure of midfielder Yusuf Maart, who has joined Austrian Bundesliga side SV Ried ahead of the 2025/26 season.
The 29-year-old midfielder leaves Amakhosi after three successful seasons, making 95 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists across all competitions. Maart played a key role in the club’s resurgence, including scoring the match-winning goal in the 2025 Nedbank Cup Final — one of the highlights of his Chiefs career.
“The Club appreciates Maart’s contribution to Kaizer Chiefs and wishes him well in this new chapter in his career,” the club said in an official statement.
Maart’s contract with Kaizer Chiefs had come to an end in June, and the move to Europe was finalized shortly after. SV Ried, who recently gained promotion back to Austria’s top division, acted quickly to secure the services of the Bafana Bafana midfielder.
🇦🇹 New Challenge in Austria
SV Ried has announced Maart as part of their new campaign build-up, with the midfielder expected to join preseason training immediately. The club is hoping that Maart’s experience, tactical awareness, and leadership will help solidify their midfield as they return to the Austrian Bundesliga.
This move marks Maart’s first venture into European football and comes at a time when South African players are increasingly gaining recognition abroad.
📉 Chiefs Lose a Midfield General
Maart’s departure is a significant loss for Kaizer Chiefs, especially with the new season fast approaching. The midfielder had grown into a central figure at Naturena, wearing the captain’s armband in several matches and acting as a driving force in midfield.
His exit leaves a noticeable gap in Amakhosi’s engine room, and the club will be under pressure to find a suitable replacement before the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign kicks off.
✈️ From Atlantis to Austria
Born in Atlantis, Western Cape, Maart’s journey has taken him from the Orlando Pirates development system to Cape Umoya United, Sekhukhune United, and then Kaizer Chiefs. His dedication and consistent performances have now opened the door to a European adventure — a dream move for many local players.
From everyone back home, we wish Yusuf Maart all the best in Austria as he begins a new chapter in his football career.
