Kaizer Chiefs captain Yusuf Maart was a notable absentee from the club’s squad that arrived in the Netherlands for pre-season on Friday, and it has now been revealed why he stayed behind.
Chiefs began their pre-season training in Apeldoorn, some 80km from the capital Amsterdam, on Saturday as they tune up for the new season with five friendly matches lined up against Eredivisie and Dutch second tier sides.
However, club captain Maart did not travel despite just signing a new contract at the club last month and it has now emerged that he has secured a move to Europe.
As per reports, an unnamed Austrian club has shown interest in Maart with an agreement reached and the player was left behind to sort out the transfer.
What is holding Maart in South Africa?
The former Sekhukhune United midfielder is reportedly now awaiting the issuance of a visa before he departs to Austria to begin a new chapter in his career after spending the last three years in the black and gold of Chiefs.
It appears that it will be a midfield overhaul for coach Nasreddine Nabi as Maart’s departure comes after the club announced the mutual termination of Venezuelan Edson Castillo’s contract on Friday.
Maart joined Chiefs from Sekhukhune United in 2022 and has made 95 appearances, scoring seven goals, while providing eight assists, including three goals and as many assists in 33 games last season.
He was key to Chiefs winning their first trophy in 10 years last season when he scored a late winner as the Glamour Boys beat Orlando Pirates 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup final.
