Yusuf Maart is one of the players who has taken to their new Amakhosi career like a duck to water, but his new Amakhosi journey has not been without controversy.
While his performances have wowed the majority of his fans, Maart has also had to endure some harsh words, which he says he appreciates.
In fact, Maart takes criticism on the chin and uses it as motivation rather than allowing it to undermine his confidence.
“To be honest, if you are a hard worker and your supporters recognize your talent, if you make a mistake, they will always be on your side because they know what you are capable of.”
“They want what is best for you.” And I understand it sometimes,” Maart said when asked about the critics.
The former Orlando Pirates midfielder said his time with Sekhukhune United in the national first division toughened him up as a player.
“I played in the MDC (at Pirates), and the first division is more difficult.” “I learned a lot in the NFD because the football there is different from the Premiership,” Maart says.
“There are a lot of things I learnt there. It made me harder and more aggressive. I now understand when to be aggressive because that league is something else and it made me who I am.”
And joining Chiefs was obviously a dream come true for Maart, but things have not been smooth sailing. He however believes that Chiefs will soon be an unstoppable force.
“It is still early in the league and everyone is trying to find their feet and get where we want to be.
“Everyone is still learning, and once everyone finds their feet and we start gelling, we’ll get what we want,” Maart says.
“You can’t panic as a footballer.” You cannot play with fear because you will never enjoy the game if you do. We’re getting there, and we’ll get going eventually.”
Maart says of adjusting to the way things are done at the Chiefs, “It has been good because it is football after all.” If it is a new system, you simply must adapt. Fortunately, the Chiefs’ system suits me, so I adapted quickly.”
