SuperSport United midfielder Keanan Ayer has revealed the reason behind his decision to come back home and ply his trade in the Betway Premiership after spending most of his career abroad. 

The 24-year-old South African native left for Ghana at a very tender age in pursuit of his dreams at the Right To Dream Academy where he started his career before his move to the Scandinavian countries in Europe. 

Ayer cut his professional teeth with Swedish outfit Varbergs BoIS in the 2018/19 campaign before moving to Norwegian side Sandefjord three seasons later followed by a brief stint in Denmark with Naestved BK last term. 

The Johannesburg-born player, who was lured to Tshwane on a free transfer at the end of his Danish spell, says he has no regrets over starting his career in West Africa but admits being away from home was challenging. 

“Some players grow up and have the opportunity [to play for] Bidvest Wits or Orlando Pirates, but I didn’t get the opportunity, so I just took what I got, I had the chance to go to Ghana and I took it, ” said Ayer, who joined Matsatsantsa on a two-year deal. 

“It wasn’t easy being away from home, but it made me the person that I am today; I’m very humble, they teach you all of these things, and I don’t regret it at all.” 

Ayer went on to reveal that his aspirations of wearing the Bafana Bafana jersey ignited his desire to return home as the move will provide him with a local spotlight to showcase what he can do and hopefully catch the eye of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos. 

“The main reason I came back was to try and make a name for myself because I started playing in Ghana and no one knows me, so it’s difficult to get into the national team,” he said. 

“So that was my main plan that if I want to be in the national team people need to see me, then at least I can be out there, if not in the national team, then I must be out there in the talks [of being selected].”

However, the SuperSport midfielder acknowledges that it won’t be easy to get a national team call-up with Broos spoilt for choice in his preferred no.10 position, with the likes of Themba Zwane and Patrick Maswanganyi high in the pecking order. 

“I know that it is tough because we have some top players in that specific position, and some that are not even playing are doing well also. So, I do know but I also believe in my abilities, and I know I’m good to [play for the national team], ” asserted Ayer. 

“I’m very confident and I’m not afraid to make mistakes, you know, playing forward as a creative player, assists – I’m good at assists. I always give my best on the field no matter what the scoreline is, I’m not afraid to do what I know I’m good at.” 

Ayer will be aiming to add to his seven appearances across all competitions for the Spartans when Gavin Hunt’s side takes on Kaizer Chiefs at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday in the Betway Premiership.