Austrian football is preparing for a new star as Yusuf Maart forced his dramatic move from Kaizer Chiefs to SV Ried in the Bundesliga. The former Amakhosi captain will also face teams like Wolfsberger AC in the upcoming season, making the league even more exciting for fans.

Maart’s move to SV Ried caught many Kaizer Chiefs supporters off guard, but the midfielder has now revealed that the wheels were in motion long before the 2024/25 season concluded. Despite being the club captain and a vital figure in the dressing room, Yusuf Maart was already planning his next step as the Austrian side made their intentions clear during a series of private meetings.

“It was like three months [working on SV Ried transfer] before the league [2024/25 season] ended. They called me for a Zoom meeting with my agent Karabo Tshabuse, and they asked me if I was willing to come,” Maart said on Soccerbeat as quoted by FARPost. “I told them if everything is good, why not?”

Speaking on his readiness for the challenge, he added: “If they can sort it out by the club, Chiefs. For me, I’m ready to take the next step.” He also highlighted SV Ried's confidence regarding their Bundesliga promotion: “To me, they were fully confident that they were going there and were going to make it.”

Maart had to take a stand against the Kaizer Chiefs management to ensure his dream of playing in European football became a reality. The midfielder, who was a cornerstone of the Soweto giant's starting line-up, took a clear stance to force his move to SV Ried and pursue his ambitions in the Austrian Bundesliga.

This bold step by Yusuf Maart underscores the appeal of the Austrian Bundesliga for international talent. His arrival at SV Ried will undoubtedly increase the league's competitiveness and promise exciting encounters against established teams like Wolfsberger AC, who must prepare for the challenge posed by the new signing.