Posted in News on Jul 13, 2011.
Speaking to kaizerchiefs.com Ritchie spoke first of the pre-season and said, “I must say that this has been a very different pre-season camp to what I am used to. The training has been intense and rigorous, it has all been useful and helped me get into shape for the new campaign.”
Of the Vodacom Challenge, which starts this Saturday when Chiefs face English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur in Polokwane, followed by a match against Orlando Pirates next week, the Chiefs' off-season acquisition said,
“I am hopeful that I will feature in the challenge at some time. At this early stage of my career it is the biggest stage for me.
"I have never played against a club team with players of the experience, quality and know-how as Spurs and I am really looking forward to it.”
Ritchie believes that playing against Spurs will benefit the Amakhosi greatly, particularly given the competitive nature and strength of their squad.
“Spurs compete in one of the toughest football enviroments in the world, which is the English Premier League, so playing against them allows us to measure ourselves against a strong, football-wise, as well as physically tough, opponent.
Saturday’s game might be termed a friendly but they have their pride as a big team from one of the biggest leagues in the world at stake. At the end of the day there is a cup to play for and we want to lift it. It will be a difficult and exciting game.”
Sometime during the Vodacom Challenge Ritchie is set to feature and when he does play it will be his first appearance as a Chiefs player in front of a stadium packed with Chiefs fans.
Something he is looking forward to? “I can’t wait to play in front of our fans. Hopefully they like me. I know if I perform to the high standards set down by the club then I am sure they will like me and I intend to do that.”
