Quiet captain, loud legacy: Yusuf Maart’s unseen value at Kaizer Chiefs

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Yusuf Maart is not a man of many words — and perhaps that’s why his presence and personality sometimes defied expectations of a Kaizer Chiefs captain.

Chiefs are one of the biggest sporting brands in South Africa, and as such, their leaders are expected to command presence the moment they walk into a room. Unfortunately for Maart — who is reportedly on his way to Austrian club SV Ried, despite recently renewing his contract — he wasn’t always perceived as that kind of figure.

By the time he was being judged for his leadership qualities both on and off the pitch, alongside his performances, many had already made up their minds. He wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

Accused of being “too soft” to captain Chiefs, Maart also suffered dips in form — as every player does — but his quieter personality made him an easy target for criticism. That combination resulted in a complicated, often harsh, love-hate relationship with fans.

There were times he could do no right. When he missed a penalty against Golden Arrows last season in a 2-1 loss, it was spoken about more than the match itself — and instead of being remembered as a missed equaliser, it became the focal point of frustration.

Yet for all his misfortune, Maart wore his heart on his sleeve. He captained Chiefs with pride and resolve, and he remains the only player to have led the club to silverware in the past 10 years.

Under his captaincy, Chiefs won the Nedbank Cup last season — their first major trophy since 2015. And not only did he lift the cup, but he also delivered the winning goal in the final against his former team, Orlando Pirates.

In a country where fans may forgive most defeats — except to arch-rivals — Maart stepped up when it mattered most. His stunning long-range strike in the Soweto Derby three seasons ago earned Chiefs three points and bragging rights, further cementing his value to the club.

As he prepares to exit Naturena, Maart won’t just reflect on goals and trophies. He was selfless — often the sacrificial lamb in difficult moments. Amid pressure from fans and mounting scrutiny on coach Nasreddine Nabi, Maart was benched for parts of the season.

But instead of sulking, he accepted the decision and supported his teammates loudly from the sidelines — a mark of quiet, unshakable leadership.

Deputy captain Inacio Miguel paid him the ultimate respect ahead of the Nedbank Cup final.

“I have huge respect for Yusuf. Yusuf is my captain. I respect him a lot. He has a lot of leadership skills,” Miguel said. “I don’t see any difference when it’s me or him wearing the armband. We’re two great leaders. He gives the face of the team; he never hides. He has a lot of personality and character. I love him a lot.”

Maart repaid that admiration by rising to the occasion and sealing his captaincy with a crowning moment — the winning goal in the final, proving that leadership is not always about volume, but about timing, commitment and heart.

He could have stepped down under the pressure, as some captains do elsewhere in the world. But he didn’t.

So yes, there will be critics who celebrate his departure. But those who understand football — and leadership — will know that Yusuf Maart did far more for Kaizer Chiefs than many may ever give him credit for. Quietly, his impact will echo long after he’s gone.