Kaizer Chiefs captain Yusuf Maart set for European switch, misses Netherlands tour

The 29-year-old was a notable absentee when the Soweto giants flew out on Thursday night for their pre-season camp in Apeldoorn, around 80 kilometres east of Amsterdam. The two-week European tour, running until July 19, will see the Amakhosi test themselves in five friendlies against top-flight Dutch opposition from both the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie.

Maart's absence isn't due to injury or rest - it's the final step in an imminent international transfer. Though he recently inked a contract extension with Chiefs, an Austrian club is said to have struck a deal with the Soweto side. The only thing standing in the way now is a work visa, which Maart is awaiting back home in South Africa.

It's a surprising twist given Maart's recent recommitment to Chiefs, but also a testament to the rising stock of the former Sekhukhune United captain. He was instrumental in ending Amakhosi's long silverware drought, scoring the winning goal in the 2-1 Nedbank Cup final triumph over archrivals Orlando Pirates - a moment etched into club folklore.

That victory also secured a spot in next season's CAF Confederation Cup, a competition the team will now have to navigate without one of its key midfield generals.

Maart's exit adds to the midfield shuffle at Naturena. Venezuelan international Edson Castillo has already been shown the exit door, while coach Nasreddine Nabi prepares to integrate new arrival Siphesihle Ndlovu from SuperSport United into the heart of the squad.

The Chiefs have been active in the transfer market, signalling a fresh tactical blueprint. Creative midfielder Ethan Chislett, striker Flavio Silva, and fullbacks Thabiso Monyane, Paseka Mako, and Nkanyiso Shinga are among the club's latest signings.

While the team sets its sights on European tests in the Netherlands, Maart's own European adventure looks ready to begin elsewhere.