Chiefs sign Swallows defender

Kaizer Chiefs announced another defensive signing having scooped the signature of talented wingback Keegan Ritchie from Moroka Swallows.

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Kaizer Chiefs announced another defensive signing having scooped the signature of talented wingback Keegan Ritchie from Moroka Swallows.

Ritchie, 21, penned a three-year-contract with the club on Monday at an undiclosed fee ending a two season stint with The Birds that also saw him make fringe selection for the Bafana Bafana set up.

This was confirmed by Chiefs' football manager Bobby Motaung on Tuesday.

The club recently bought two defenders in Bidvest Wits' Tefu Mashamaite and Brett Lawler, who was playing his football in the United States.

Motaung said at the end of last season that Chiefs would be busy in the transfer market in the off-season in preparation for next season with the side in search of their first Premiership title in seven seasons.

"We have signed Ritchie, unfortunately we don't disclose transfer figures but the deal was concluded yesterday," said Motaung.

Motaung told the club's website that the side and coach Vladimir Vermezovic have been following Ritchie's progress with negotiations having started towards the end of last season.

"We had been following Keegan from last season, even the coach was impressed with him," he said.

"He is versatile and can also play in the centre. We identified the defence as one of the departments to strengthen for next season as we hope to bring more silverware to the club."

Ritchie said that it was a "dream come true" to join Amakhosi where he is expected to compete with regular Punch Masenamela for the left-back position.

"I'm looking forward to learning from Punch and (second left-back) Jimmy Jambo and working with them as a group, they are more experienced players," said Ritchie.

"I want to give my best at the club and not disappoint the coach or the chairman for the faith they have shown in my abilities as a player -- I share the same ambition of winning titles.

"I also want to thank Swallows for giving me the platform as a player."

Motaung also announced that striker Nkosinathi Nhleko and defender Wayne Matle will not have their contracts renewed, while striker Stanton Lewis has not been offered a contract.

The former Ajax Cape Town player was on loan for the latter half of last season but failed to impress the technical staff to offer him a longer stay. – Sapa

Source: http://www.iol.co.za/chiefs-sign-swallows-defender-1.1086339

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