Nabi opens up on toll of criticism on captain Maart after cup glory

Yusuf Maart with teammates. Photo credit: Kaizer Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has spoken out about the impact of recent criticism on captain Yusuf Maart, revealing that the midfielder has suffered due to the backlash.

Maart produced a top performance in the middle of the park and scored the winning goal, earning the Man of the Match award for his efforts in the Nedbank Cup final.

The midfielder’s goal, along with Gaston Sirino's, secured a 2-1 victory for Chiefs against Orlando Pirates at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Saturday. Evidence Makgopa scored the solitary goal for the Buccaneers.

Their Nedbank Cup triumph ended the Glamour Boys' lengthy trophy drought and marked a successful first season in charge for coach Nasreddine Nabi.

In the aftermath of Amakhosi’s Nedbank Cup win, Nabi made a point of commending Maart, asserting that the criticism levelled against the 29-year-old is unjust.

Nabi's defence of Maart comes in the wake of comments last week from Chiefs legend Marks Maponyane, who stated that the midfielder was not suited to the captaincy and questioned his leadership. Maart has also faced criticism from the club's supporters.

“It’s true that sometimes the fans get too emotional and they wanted to win the cup so bad,” said Nabi. “Sometimes their reaction is emotional, you even noticed that when we substituted Thabo Cele, they we not happy.

“We knew what we were doing, and on the other hand, a player like Yusuf Maart has been suffering a lot after being unfairly attacked. People are questioning his leadership qualities as a player, but we saw his contribution.

“Our message to you, the fans, is that we need you in our worst moments to be there, support us, and lift us,” added Nabi.