Yusuf Maart’s SV Ried form strengthens case for Bafana Bafana return

SV Ried assistant coach Moritz Kossmann believes Yusuf Maart’s performances in Austria merit consideration for a return to Bafana Bafana under Pitso Mosimane.

The 31-year-old midfielder is in his second season with Austrian Bundesliga club SV Ried, having joined in July 2025 after three seasons with Kaizer Chiefs, where he became club captain. He works alongside Kossmann, who previously coached Ubuntu FC and Cape Town City FC in the DStv Diski Challenge.

South African midfielder Jaedin Rhodes is also part of the SV Ried squad.

Maart has established himself as an important player since moving to Austria and has continued to receive regular playing time this season. He has scored two goals and recorded four assists in 14 matches across all competitions.

Kossmann praises Maart’s all-round game

Kossmann said Maart was already central to SV Ried’s successful debut season in the league and has maintained that level of performance.

“Yusuf has done really well in Austria. Last season he already was a real key player for us in the midfield and one of the big reasons why we had a very good debut season in the league,” Kossmann told FARPost.

“We won the lower playoff and were in contention for Europe right up until the last day of the season. I think he was an important part of that team.”

The coach described the Orlando Pirates product as a midfielder capable of contributing in both penalty areas, while also highlighting his technical qualities.

“This season he has continued with very good performances. He’s obviously what I would call a two-way midfielder. He has the ability to defend exceptionally well, especially in a small space,” Kossmann said.

“He’s proved it against some of the best players in the league. He also has this ability with the ball, the playmaking, to help the team progress up the field. I think he’s also got a couple of assists this season already.”

Kossmann added that Maart had become a useful option from dead-ball situations and could also provide a long throw.

‘He would definitely do well’ for Bafana

Maart’s form has led to suggestions that he ranks among the leading midfielders in the Austrian Bundesliga. SV Ried rewarded his performances with an improved contract in September.

He received national-team call-ups during Hugo Broos’ early period as Bafana Bafana coach, but was later overlooked as Broos avoided selecting Kaizer Chiefs players, pointing to the club’s struggles.

Kossmann believes Maart’s performances in the SV Ried midfield have made a strong case for another opportunity with South Africa.

“I believe that he is one of the top midfielders in the Austrian Bundesliga and consequently, in my opinion, he is someone that would definitely do well if he’s given a chance again in the Bafana setup,” he said.

“He’s got a high football IQ, and he’s also someone that I believe, in any team environment he’s in, he adds value to it with his positive energy.”

Kossmann acknowledged that Maart faces strong competition for a place in central midfield, including from Mamelodi Sundowns’ Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole, as well as Orlando Pirates’ Thalente Mbatha.

“Mokoena, for example, is a top player, Sithole is also doing well in Europe, and there’s a host of others. But I think he would for sure add value,” he said.