Even though Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Yusuf Maart redeemed himself in the Nedbank Cup final, former defender Morgan Gould has revealed why his captaincy deserves the benefit of the doubt.
Maart received criticism, not only for his performances but also for alleged lack of leadership qualities, as Chiefs blew hot and cold throughout the season.
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The former Sekhukhune United midfielder's criticism grew even louder after he missed a penalty in a defeat to Golden Arrows in the Betway Premiership in March, when defender Inacio Miguel, who was the designated penalty taker offered to take the spot-kick.
The heavy load on the shoulders of the 29-year-old, however, decreased significantly, after he scored the winning goal in the Nedbank Cup final against rivals Orlando Pirates, which ended their run of ten years without a trophy.
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With debate still ongoing, on whether Maart should continue lead Chiefs ahead of next season, Gould has revealed why the former Pirates youth player's form dipped this season.
"He's a captain with actions, he really wants to be a captain, how he wants to lead the team. He might not lead it how we used to lead it, with being vocal and being all over the place. He can also lead from the bench and you need a strong leader to lead from the bench," Gould explained on Switch On Network YouTube Channel.
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"Why I say he has done phenomenal? I'm very close to him, in regard, that I know he lost one of his best friends and that's when his form started to dip. Psychologically, he was not there.
"And you can see how emotional he was after scoring that goal, he really sent a tribute to the friend he lost. He was very close to him, that's why I say this boy is a leader, he's been through a lot. It might not be his best season but he has done well," Gould revealed.
Maart's future at Chiefs is on the balance, as his contract is expiring at the end of June, although Amakhosi have a two-year option.
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