On Monday Kaizer Chiefs announced the signing of defender Keegan Ritchie from Moroka Swallows. Immediately after signing a three-year deal on the dotted line, the soft-spoken 21-year-old took time to speak to kaizerchiefs.com about what he called the “realisation of a dream” and his ambitions at Naturena.

Keegan, welcome to the Family! Tell us, how did the move happen?

Keegan Ritchie: It was in May when my agent gave me a call telling me that he had an offer for me. We met and he confirmed that Kaizer Chiefs was interested in my services. He told me that the Coach (Vladimir Vermezovic) had been monitoring my performances at Swallows.

It was towards the end of the season and as you know we were fighting relegation, so I wanted to help Swallows stay in the Premier League first. I also had two years left on my contract with Swallows. I am happy that we achieved our goal at Swallows. Having achieved that, I entertained the idea of turning out for the Glamour Boys next season!

You came to the Village for the first time today. How was the feeling?

Keegan Ritchie: I cannot put the feeling into words. As I was driving through the gate, it felt like a realisation of a childhood dream. I grew up following Kaizer Chiefs even though I never really got to attend their matches at the stadium. It is a big stepping stone in my career and looking at the facilities here, no wonder the Club is regarded as one of the biggest Clubs in the continent. I am going to give my best on the field.

What are you looking forward most during your stay with the Glamour Boys?

Keegan Ritchie: I am looking forward to improving as a player and taking my game to the next level. I am really excited to be here but I know that excitement needs to be channeled in training. I am now just looking forward to getting into my training gear and sweating it out ahead of the 2011/2012 season.

Did you speak to any of the guys before coming here?

Keegan Ritchie: I remember having a conversation with Yeye (Reneilwe Letsholonyane) a while ago in the national team. I also had brief discussions with Itumeleng Khune and Siphiwe Tshabalala. I am looking forward meeting the rest of the guys next week.

The Vodacom Challenge is approaching soon…

Keegan Ritchie: As soon as I heard that Chiefs were interested in my services, I looked at the date, 16 July 2011…Kaizer Chiefs v Tottenham Hotspur, big crowds, and great names. We are talking here about some of the best footballers in the world. I am really excited about the prospect of coming against guys like Lennon, Bale and Modric and I am sure I speak for the rest of the guys.

You will be competing with Punch Masenamela and Jimmy Jambo for the slot at left-back?

Keegan Ritchie: I am not sure yet on how the Coach is going to utilise me but in football there is always competition and the bigger the Club the fiercer the competition. Punch and Jambo are more experienced players. I am looking forward to learning from them and working with them as a group. The competition between the three of us is going to be good for the team. I want to play, so I will have to push harder and give more at training.

Lastly, what do you want to achieve during your three-year stay with the Glamour Boys?

Keegan Ritchie: Kaizer Chiefs is a Club that wants to win trophies season in and season out and I want to contribute to that. I want to give my best and not disappoint the Coach and the Management for the faith they have shown in my ability as a player. I share the same ambition as the Club -- to win titles.

I also want to take this opportunity and thank Swallows for giving me the platform as a player. I was really inspired to play alongside someone like Siyabonga Nomvethe. At his age he still gives his best in each training session, which shows his commitment to the game. I also want to thank the Coaches for giving me a chance.

I am now here at Chiefs and I just can’t wait to don the gold and black jersey.

Fact File

Full Name & Surname: Keegan James Ritchie


Date of Birth: 03 July 1990


Place of Birth: Brackenhurst, Johannesburg


Previous Clubs: Robertsham Callies, Balfour Park, SuperSport United Development, Lusitano (Vodacom League), Moroka Swallows Development and Moroka Swallows


Favourite International Player: Patrice Evra (Manchester United & France)


Favourite Local Player: Siyabonga Nomvethe


Favourite Movie: Hangover


Spare Time: Play Station


Role Model: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool and England)


Favourite Club in Europe: Liverpool (England)