Ritchie: 'I have more to give'

Keegan Ritchie says his versatility should enable him to play more games for Bidvest Wits and spend less time on the bench as back up to left-back Sifiso Hlanti.

The 29-year-old has played for a number of clubs including Moroka Swallows, Kaizer Chiefs, Slavia Prague, Bloemfontein Celtic and SuperSport United.

He has, however, struggled to be a regular starter throughout his career, and finds himself once against sidelined at the Clever Boys, playing just six Premier Soccer League games this season.

Wits boss Gavin Hunt has previously utilised Ritchie in central midfield, having slated his abilities at left-back.

But as he awaits to see if the PSL will be able to resume amid the coronavirus pandemic, Ritchie still feels he has a lot to offer to his club.

He told the Sowetan: "Yes it's always not been an ideal situation. It's something I have been synonymous with for almost my entire career. I have embraced it, but I can't lie and say it's a good experience.

"Every footballer wants to play regularly. But you have to accept even when your role is minimal as well because you still get to contribute to the team."

He added: "I am versatile, as you know I can play in the midfield as a holding midfielder and as a winger. So, I have been having that feeling that maybe I can play more if I switch to the midfield full-time.

"However, it's always up to the coach to decide where he plays you. You can't go to the coach and tell him you want to play in the midfield.

"My contract is expiring at the end of June. I am still happy here. We have not negotiated obviously because of the lockdown, but I am optimistic I will remain here and continue to play my role."

- TEAMtalk media