‘I joined Kaizer Chiefs too early’ former Amakhosi defender

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Keagan Ritchie says he enjoyed playing for the Soweto Giants but his move came early.

The 33-year-old left-back started his PSL career at Moroka Swallows where he played three seasons. Having impressed the Chiefs management, Ritchie was brought in as Punch Masenamela’s replacement. With Amakhosi signing Tsepo Masilela, the former Bloemfontein Celtic star struggled for game time.

In 2014, the defender left Kaizer Chiefs to join SK Slavia Prague but only spent a few months before returning to South Africa. Speaking to FARPost, Ritchie admitted he was too young when he joined the Soweto Giants.

“I enjoyed being at Chiefs but not as much though because I think I was a bit young at 20,” he said in an exclusive interview.

“You’re joining the club; you see the Shabbas, the Yeyes, the Gaxas, the Tshepo Masilelas and the Khunes. 

“You’re a young player, and you saw these guys who played the World Cup, and you’re like…so you’re intimidated.”

The defender said he wished he had stayed with Swallows for a few years and only joined Kaizer Chiefs later.

“If I could go back I would have spent more time at Swallows and sign for [Chiefs] a bit later when I’m more mature,” he added. “Going onto the field with [Chiefs] superstars, I felt like who am I kind of thing.

Ex-Kaizer Chiefs defender recalls his days at Naturena

“The club is huge, and people expect a lot from players. Coming to a club like Chiefs, for me it was just that, dealing with that pressure. I probably went there later in my career, probably at 22 or 23; I think I would have done a lot better.

“For me, I think went too early,” he told FARPost.

Ritchie had another stint with Kaizer Chiefs between 2015 and 2016, but the defender failed to impress under Steve Komphela.