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Buckley happy to be back in SA

Johannesburg - Former Bafana Bafana winger Delron Buckley has penned a two year deal with Maritzburg United, returning home after seventeen years in Europe.

The 34-year-old says he is excited to play his first season in the PSL, but admits it has been a move he has been trying to make for the last three years.

"I wanted to come back to South Africa to play for the last three years but I didn't have the opportunity because no clubs were interested in me," he told Football411.

"I'm just happy that Maritzburg spoke to me and gave me the offer and put me in their plans. I hope that my plans will help this team."

Buckley said a lack of interest in his services by local European clubs forced him to move to second division outfits on the continent, but the Durban-born midfielder says that fact gave him a chance to mentor younger players, a role he is hoping to fulfil at the Team of Choice.

"I know how to groom young players. You know to keep them calm to guide them properly. For the last few years I have been moving to second division clubs in Europe and that is what I did, and that's why they signed," he added.

"That's one of the reasons Ernst (Middendorp) brought me to Maritzburg United."

Buckley, who enjoyed two spells at Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund, says he is happy to join the likes of former national team-mates Benni McCarty and Aaron Mokoena in the PSL.

"It going to be my first time (in the PSL) so it's going to be a challenge for me so I'm looking forward to it because I'm used to challenges. I've played in big stadiums with sixty and seventy thousand people and it won't be a problem for me," he said.

"I have been following players and they have been doing very well and I take my hat off to them. Benni had a great season - he got goals, Zuma - top form, Nomvethe - top goal scorer. So hopefully I will probably follow in their footsteps," he concluded.

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