Kaizer Chiefs captain Yusuf Maart has explained how he deals with abuses from online fans.
Maart and the rest of his Chiefs team-mates have been subjected to social media criticism and abuse as their team has continued to struggle on the pitch with a consistent run of positive results not forthcoming.
Nasreddine Nabi’s team sit ninth on the PSL table, a position club supporters are not happy with, and they have voiced their frustrations at players whenever they get the opportunity, especially through social media platforms.
How does Maart shield himself from online trolls?
Maart says he has had to develop a thick skin to deal with the criticism while also not getting on social media where he feels it is toxic and can break someone.
“Sometimes you can’t control everything around you as a player, but the most important thing is to go onto the field and fight for the team and fight for your own name,” Maart said as quoted by Sowetan Live.
“I am not on social media to see these things [insults and criticism] because those things can break you as a person because you’re also a human being at the end of the day. So, for me, the most important thing is to stay positive and keep going.”
Chiefs captain promises better in Soweto derby?
Maart and his team-mates are preparing for the Soweto Derby, a match that is the most talked about both online and offline, and he knows another bad result will be a recipe for more social media abuse.
The Chiefs midfielder says the Glamour Boys fully understand what is at stake and will do whatever it takes to win.
“We know what to do. Each and every player gets excited to play in the Soweto derby because it’s a privilege and every player’s dream. The mood is positive. We’re happy, and everyone knows what this game means in this country,” he added.
Maart will be facing Pirates for the sixth time since joining Chiefs three years ago and has managed two goals over the Buccaneers.
