After a clubless season, former Maritzburg United and Kaizer Chiefs left-back Keegan Ritchie has spoken about his future and revealed what he’s been up to.
The 33-year-old defender has been a free agent since leaving the KZN club following its relegation in the 2022/23 season.
Ritchie says he’s been keeping fit and is now looking to return to action next season.
“I’m missing it [football] quite a bit,” said Ritchie during the interview with FARPost. “If you’re out of the game for the whole season, you know clubs are looking at you and like, ‘Why you’ve been out for so long?’
“So, I’m missing the game, I’d love to, if I can, come back this season in the NFD or PSL this coming season.”
Ritchie believes he has at least three good years left in his legs before calling it a day in football. He emphasised his desire to enjoy the game, not chase a big paycheck.
KEEGAN RITCHIE LOOKING TO RETURN TO ACTION NEXT SEASON
“That’s probably the reason…the clubs feel like if they do sign me, they have to pay me a big amount of money,” he explained.
“But I’m at a point of my life where I don’t need a lot. As long as I can go back and play. I don’t need to earn a lot of money. I just want to go back and enjoy the game.
“I know that I have…could be two or three years left in me. So, yeah, if I get a chance, I’ll grab it with both hands.”
After his Maritzburg United exit, Ritchie reveals he spoke to a couple of clubs in the DStv Premiership. However, nothing has come his way.
“I spoke to a few clubs and obviously the coaches that I know,” he added.
“It became difficult. You have your Travis Graham. It also took them quite a few months before they found a team.
“I basically haven’t had anything from them [clubs] since. It would be good to start a pre-season with a team so that I can get fit and strong.”
Ritchie disclosed that he remains based in Pietermaritzburg and has launched a vape shop to generate revenue while he was unattached.
WHAT RITCHIE HAS BEEN UP TO
“I’m still staying in KZN; I just opened a little vape shop,” he revealed. “It’s doing quite well, but obviously, that’s not my passion. I’d like to go to coaching.
“I’d like also to do grassroots development coaching, you know from the ages of like 13. That’s where my passion is. That’s what I’m gonna be doing in the near future.”
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