Kaizer Chiefs star Yusuf Maart, who is said to be close to completing a big move to Austria, has been hailed by a top South African government official.
Maart is believed to be edging closer to a move from Chiefs to Austrian top-flight club SV Ried.
Recently, SV Ried’s sporting director, Wolfgang Fiala, confirmed their interest in Maart while admitting it will not be a free transfer, with negotiations currently being finalised.
Read: Talleres confirm Suarez decision after Downs snub
If the move goes through, Maart will become only the 10th South African to play in the Austrian Bundesliga, and the first since Jabu Mahlangu, who featured for SV Mattersburg between 2004 and 2005.
Although the transfer is not yet officially complete, South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has praised Maart for his potential move, describing the Amakhosi playmaker as an "inspiration".
"Yusuf Maart you are truly an inspiration. From captaining the biggest team in Africa, Kaizer Chiefs, to officially signing for SV Reid in Austria. I love you, my boy."
If all goes according to plan, it will be Maart’s first stint abroad.
Notably, the 29-year-old did not travel with the Chiefs squad for their pre-season tour of the Netherlands.
Nevertheless, Maart is likely to be remembered for his match-winning goal in the 2024/25 Nedbank Cup final, which ended Amakhosi’s 10-year trophy drought.
Read: Bafana's CHAN opponents hire Downs star
By Lukhanyo Mtuta
Follow him here on X
