Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has spoken about the criticism that the club’s captain Yusuf Maart has been suffering throughout the season.
The club’s skipper propelled Chiefs to Nedbank Cup victory, scoring the winner against Orlando Pirates in the final.
The match appeared headed for extra-time with the scores level, but Maart intervened, volleying Ashley Du Preez's delivery into the net from the centre of the area.
He later admitted he instinctively decided to strike the moment the ball arrived and was relieved it beat Sipho Chaine.
He became the first captain to lift the major trophy at Chiefs since 2015.
The midfielder had been booed by fans a lot of times in different matches but still held on, leading the side.
Some legends of the club have also questioned his leadership skills as a captain.
NABI ON MAART’S CHALLENGES THIS SEASON
“It’s true that sometimes the fans get too emotional, and they wanted to win the cup so bad. Sometimes their reaction is emotional, you even noticed that when we substituted Thabo Cele, they were not happy,” Nabi said as quoted by iDiski Times.
“We knew what we were doing, and on the other hand, a player like Yusuf Maart has been suffering a lot after being fairly attacked, and people are questioning his leadership qualities as a player, but we saw his contribution.
“Our message to you, the fans, is that we need you in our worst moments to be there, support us, and lift us up.”
The Cape Town-born star, Maart joined Chiefs at the beginning of the 2022/23 season and went on to be the club’s captain the following season.
He has scored seven goals and provided eight assists across 94 appearances he has made at Chiefs.
