Sta'Playa Of The Week – Maart Endears Himself To Chiefs Fans After Nedbank Cup Triumph

Yusuf Maart etched his name in the history book of Kaizer Chiefs, becoming the first club captain and goal scorer to win the team a major trophy in 10 years.

Chiefs won the Nedbank Cup crown after beating arch-rivals Orlando Pirates 2-1 in the final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Maart Creates History For Chiefs

Amakhosi had taken the lead courtesy of Gaston Sirino’s early penalty in the first half, but Pirates restored parity via Evidence Makgopa before the break.

Maart chipped in with the all-important winner later on as Amakhosi reigned supreme to win the country’s premier club knockout competition for a record-extending 14th-time.

The 29-year-old was duly crowned the Player of the Match after sending the Amakhosi faithful into a frenzy and redemption after 10 years of struggle.

“We couldn’t do it without the supporters and my teammates with one love, one spirit and character. So I am grateful!” Maart, who's a midfielder, told SuperSport TV after the game.

“Results have not been going our way in the league, but I think today we were collective as a team. We were fighting together - the technical team and players had the right mindset.

“I want to say thank you to the supporters for always coming out and supporting us, this is for them, the chairman, the technical team and for us players.

“I can’t explain it. It’s been tough, but at the end of the day, I can look behind and say: it was a tough road, but everyone stuck together.”

Maart and Chiefs Fans Write A Beautiful Chapter

Chiefs’ fans and Maart have been in a love-hate relationship as the former boo him when he puts his foot wrong and embrace him when he does well.

They jeered him when he missed a penalty during the 2-1 loss to Golden Arrows in Betway Premiership in March, though he went on to score the equaliser.

When he initially haunted his former club Pirates in the league two seasons ago, scoring a screamer from distance which proved to be a winner, he was an apple of their eyes.

So such has been the rollercoaster bond Maart has had with his own fans even his coach Nasreddine Nabi was happy for him after his heroics in the final.

“A player like Yusuf Maart has been suffering a lot of unfair attacks. People even questioned his captaincy. But you saw his contribution [in the final],” Nabi explained.

“Our message to the fans is that we need you in our worst moment to be there, support us, and lift us up.”

Miguel Backs Maart’s Leadership

The criticism on Maart as a player and captain reached fever pitch at some point so much so that some of his naysayers believed that Inacio Miguel is better suited to lead the team than him.

The towering Angolan defender has, to some degree, shown impeccable leadership qualities since his arrival at Chiefs this season, with youngsters raving about him as well.

But Miguel, who’s one of the vice-captain, speaking during the Nedbank Cup pre-match final media duties, refuted suggestions that he’d be a better captain for Chiefs than Maart.

“I have massive respect for Yusuf. Yusuf is my captain!” Miguel said. “I respect him a lot. He has a lot of leadership capacities.

“I don’t see any difference between me and Yusuf [with] taking the armand because we are two great leaders. He’s the leader, and I am not. I think he has a massive role.

“He gives the face of the team. He never hides. He has a lot of personality and character. I love him a lot, and I respect him a lot.”

Still To Do For Maart In The League

With the Ke Yona Cup in the bag, Maart has to ensure he guides the team to a Top 8 finish in the Betway Premiership, something that’d endear him to the Amakhosi fans even more!

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