Yusuf Maart seals switch from Kaizer Chiefs to Austria

The 29-year-old Bafana international joined Chiefs from Sekhukhune United in 2022 and made 95 appearances for the club scoring seven goals and creating eight.

He had been a target for a number of European teams following his consistent displays in the Betway Premiership but will now link up with the ambitious newly-promoted side on a two-year deal.

A Chiefs statement read: "Midfielder, Yusuf Maart has left Amakhosi to join newly-promoted Austrian Football Bundesliga outfit, SV Ried.

"The 29-year-old joined Chiefs from Sekhukhune United in July 2022, making his debut away to Royal AM the following month, and featured in 95 matches in the Gold & Black in all competitions, scoring seven times, including the winning goal in last season's Nedbank Cup Final. The erstwhile skipper also weighed in with eight assists in his three seasons at Naturena.

"The Club appreciates Maart’s contribution to Kaizer Chiefs and wishes him well in this new chapter in his career."

Ried Managing Director of Sport told their club's website: "We are very happy that Yusuf has decided to join SV Oberbank Ried. We have been watching him for a long time and are convinced that he fits perfectly with our idea of play.

"Yusuf is a very complete midfielder: He can control the game, is strong in tackles, has a high willingness to run and also has a good eye for his teammates. He also brings leadership qualities that will be good for our young team. Especially his international experience and his mentality of always wanting to win were decisive factors for us in this signing."

A delighted Maart added: "This is a great opportunity for me to play here in Europe. I am very much looking forward to gaining new experiences.

“I want to give my best in every game, be a great person for the team on and off the pitch. I know Austrian football as highly intense and physical. Ried is known for the great atmosphere in the stadium and its fans.”