He's just 19-years-old, but after playing more than 40 top-flight games in Europe already, a Bafana Bafana hopeful has put pen to paper on a long-term contract in Sweden…
Keanin Ayer is a name that may be quite new to some South African football fans, but in Varberg he's already established himself as a key part of the setup at Varbergs BoIS, playing a major role in their promotion last season.
Now, as he approaches his 20th birthday, it has been confirmed to the Siya crew that the midfield man has committed his future to the Allsvenskan outfit, penning a two-year deal that will see him remain in Varberg until the end of the 2021 campaign.
Ayer, who has had an interesting career path having left South Africa for Ghana in 2013 before moving to Europe, played 29 games for his side last year as they secured promotion, missing just one game and grabbing two goals along the way.
After securing his future at the club, Ayer told the crew, "I spent five years in Ghana, and now it's three years in Sweden... I am patient, I get to play in the first team and this year I'll get to play in the highest league in Sweden – extending my contract is an easy decision."
This season he won't be alone at the club though in terms of South Africans, with Tashreeq Matthews having joined from Borussia Dortmund as the side bolster their ranks in order to try and maintain their place in the Allsvenskan for 2021.
Varberg get their season underway next month when they take on Hammarby in the Swedish Cup.
