/ 30 June 1999

Buckley patches up row with Safa officials

OWN CORRESPONDENT, Johannesburg | Wednesday 10.00am.

DELRON Buckley has ended his feud with South African soccer chiefs and made himself available for selection again after saying four months ago he no longer wanted to be considered for the national squad.

The 21-year-old left winger had a meeting with the South African Football Association (Safa) at the weekend and apologised, officials said on Tuesday.

Buckley, who has won six caps for the country and is one of a select band of players to have represented South Africa at all levels from under-17 upwards, withdrew from the squad for a match against Botswana in February.

He had also written a letter asking not to be selected for future matches and accused the association of having little consideration for his efforts to make an impression in the German Bundesliga with his club VfL Bochum.

He said that by calling him up for an international match of minor importance, Safa were jeopardising his chances of a regular first team place at Bochum.

Safa chief executive officer Raymond Hack said on Tuesday that Buckley had apologised for his actions and asked to be reconsidered for the national team in future.

”It is now up to coach Trott Moloto if he wants to use Buckley or not,” said Hack.

”Obviously we are happy that this matter is now resolved and we are pleased to have a player of his quality available to us again.” — Reuters