Kaizer Chiefs have jetted off to the Netherlands for their crucial preseason preparations, but conspicuously missing from the traveling squad is club captain Yusuf Maart.
With visuals emerging from the Amakhosi’s training base in Europe, the Siya crew was quick to note that Maart, who skippered the side last season, is not among the group putting in the hard yards under the European sun.
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Further investigations by the Siya crew have confirmed that the influential midfielder did not board the flight with his teammates.
According to well-placed sources, Maart’s absence stems from ongoing contract negotiations between his representatives and the club’s hierarchy.
The 29-year-old’s contract with Chiefs officially expired on June 30, although a mutual option exists that could see him stay at Naturena.
However, Siya sources indicate that Maart’s camp is pushing for improved terms as part of a new agreement. Chiefs management, on the other hand, have yet to table an offer that satisfies the skipper’s demands.
As a result, Maart has decided not to join the squad in the Netherlands until the matter is resolved, placing a cloud of uncertainty over his immediate future at the Soweto giants.
Whether the two parties will find common ground remains to be seen, but with negotiations dragging on, an exit from Amakhosi cannot be ruled out at this stage.
The Siya crew reached out to Kaizer Chiefs for comment, but attempts were unsuccessful.
