FIFA acknowledges Maart's stunning Soweto Derby goal that could earn him Puskas award

FIFA has recognised Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Yusuf Maart as a potential Puskas award winner for the year 2022.

The 27-year-old midfielder scored a sensational 90th-minute winner in last weekend's Soweto Derby against Amakhosi's rivals, Orlando Pirates.

However, it was not a typical goal as he launched a searching strike from his own half to catch Buccaneers goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane off his goalline.

Maart's goal earned Chiefs a 1-0 win and shifted the Soweto giants to fourth place in the DStv Premiership before the month-long World Cup break.

In a single post on Twitter, world football's governing body said: "A stunning goal to win the Soweto Derby. This strike from Kaizer Chiefs Yusuf Maart could be one for the Puskas list. Who do you think deserves the award for the most spectacular goal of the year? Use #Puskas to share your contenders!"

A stunning goal to win the #SowetoDerby ??This strike from @KaizerChiefs’ Yusuf Maart could be one for the #Puskas list ??Who do you think deserves the award for the most spectacular goal of the year? Use #Puskas to share your contenders!pic.twitter.com/c1BtxF5FrT

The famous Puskas award, named after Hungarian footballer Ferenc Puskas, is given to the individual who has scored the best goal in a calendar year.

Maart would become the fourth South African in line for the prestigious award after Katlego Mphela, Siphiwe Tshabala, Hlompho Kekana and Oscarine Masuluke.

The Best FIFA Football Awards is expected to take place next year January, with the nominees to be confirmed in due course given that the World Cup will be staged later this month.