Keanin Ayer has reflected on his Siwelele FC spell, with the Johannesburg-born midfielder insisting he is ready for the next chapter of his career.
Ayer’s departure follows the end of the two-year contract he originally signed with SuperSport United before Siwelele took over the club’s football operations.
He returned to South Africa after his stint with Næstved Boldklub in Denmark, eager to ply his trade locally. His first campaign under Gavin Hunt provided regular football and the consistency he felt helped him settle into the Betway Premiership. His second season under Lehlohonolo Seema proved more difficult.
An injury disrupted his campaign, and even after recovering, he struggled to secure regular opportunities. The lack of game time was particularly difficult after enjoying a sustained run in the team the previous season.
“It’s tough when you were playing a lot, and then the next year you don’t play at all, or you play 10 or 15 minutes,” he told FARPost.
KEANIN AYER TRAINING WITH LA MASIA TO STAY SHARP
He has now turned his attention to finding his next club. The 26-year-old has been training with an ABC Motsepe side, La Masia, to stay sharp while considering his options. “I’ve been training with a local club to make sure I’m ready when the right opportunity comes,” he said.
Ayer is a versatile midfielder capable of operating as a 6, 8 or 10, although he feels his qualities suit a deeper role best. His biggest strength is his ability on the ball and his understanding of the game.
He credits the Right to Dream Academy, where he played alongside Tottenham Hotspur winger Mohamed Kudus, with developing his all-round skill set, saying “they taught us everything”.After Right to Dream, he played for Swedish outfit Varbergs, then moved to Norway’s Sandefjord before his final stint in Denmark.
“When I was overseas, I was alone. Sometimes you’re just indoors, you eat well, you sleep well, all of those things. And that, of course, helps you perform even better.
“Most people think the most important things are on the field, but they’re not. It’s off the field that helps you perform on the field.”
Those experiences have also strengthened his belief in adapting to different football cultures. Now, with Siwelele a closed chapter, he is weighing his options while keeping himself ready for the next opportunity.
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