When Yusuf Maart parted ways with Kaizer Chiefs, the team lost more than just a captain. They lost a dynamic midfielder who excelled at driving forward, breaking through defensive lines, and influencing the game in the opponent’s half.
During his time in the Betway Premiership, Maart was a classic number eight, seamlessly linking defense to attack. He was known for his aggressive pressing, often popping up in dangerous areas and making a significant impact on the game. This role played to his strengths, utilizing his energy and instincts to great effect.
Maart’s New Role in Austria
However, since joining SV Ried in Austria, Maart has found himself in a different role. He is now being utilized as a deeper-lying number six, a position that requires a great deal of positional discipline, tactical awareness, and less emphasis on making forward runs.
According to Maart, this change was a deliberate decision. In an interview on the Soccer Beat podcast, he revealed that his new team preferred him in the number six role, which he has grown comfortable with. “I can play box to box, I have been playing box to box almost all my career, I can defend, I can play in the build-up,” he explained. “It suits me. I help the defenders a lot, I can win the ball, and count. I am very comfortable playing as a six.” Maart also noted that playing as a number six is easier in some ways, as it allows him to stay central and focus on pressuring the opponent or dropping back to defend.
A New Era for Kaizer Chiefs’ Midfield
Kaizer Chiefs initially attempted to replace Maart with Feisal Salum, but the move fell through when the Tanzanian player joined Azam FC instead. This led the team to sign Siphesihle Ndlovu from SuperSport United on a three-year deal. Ndlovu has since made a quiet but significant impact, contributing two goals and one assist in 20 appearances across all competitions. He has also impressed with his tidy use of the ball, boasting an average pass completion rate of around 86%.
Co-head coach Khalil Ben Youssef has praised Ndlovu’s tactical maturity, particularly in helping to stabilize the team’s shape. Although Ndlovu missed a recent match against Siwelele FC due to a minor injury, he featured in the 1-1 Soweto Derby draw against Orlando Pirates, demonstrating his value to the team.
