Yusuf Maart extends SV Ried contract after attracting transfer interest

Yusuf Maart has signed an improved contract with Austrian Bundesliga club SV Ried, extending the former Kaizer Chiefs captain’s stay in Europe until June 2028.

The 31-year-old midfielder’s management agency, P Management, confirmed the agreement after a period in which Maart established himself as a regular presence in Austria. His performances had reportedly attracted serious interest from Austrian giants Rapid Wien, while clubs in Saudi Arabia also made lucrative offers.

Maart’s new deal represents a significant reward for his consistency and leadership since completing his move to Europe ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. He originally signed a two-year contract with SV Ried that was due to run until June 2027.

The transfer from Kaizer Chiefs was completed through a club-to-club agreement reportedly worth about R20.8 million (€1 million). Since joining SV Ried, Maart has featured 44 times in all competitions and has provided two assists.

His progress in Austria marks the latest stage of a career that has also included three demanding seasons with Kaizer Chiefs. Maart joined Amakhosi from Sekhukhune United in 2022 and went on to make 95 appearances for the club.

During his time at Naturena, he scored seven goals and supplied eight assists. His defining moment came in the Soweto Derby, when he scored the decisive goal to secure the Nedbank Cup for Kaizer Chiefs.

It was a notable achievement during a spell in which Maart became an important figure for the Glamour Boys, both through his midfield work and his leadership on the pitch.

Maart’s performances in Austria could also bring renewed attention from South Africa’s national-team set-up. Bafana Bafana have recently undergone a major technical reshuffle, with experienced coach Pitso Mosimane appointed to lead the senior national side.

The midfielder won his most recent international caps during the early part of his Kaizer Chiefs career. With his club future now settled and his standing strengthened in the Austrian top flight, Maart will hope his form can help him return to contention for South Africa.

For now, his priority remains SV Ried, where his new contract secures his services until 2028 and removes the immediate prospect of a move to Rapid Wien or Saudi Arabia.

Maart’s development in Europe comes after his high-profile departure from Kaizer Chiefs and provides further evidence of the value of his performances since arriving in Austria. His two assists from 44 appearances have been accompanied by the regular involvement and technical leadership that persuaded SV Ried to improve and extend his original agreement.