Radebe, who captained South Africa in the recent World Cup, was called "dishonest" by national coach Shakes Mashaba after ruling himself out of the African Cup of Nations qualifier against Burundi.

The Leeds United defender claimed he had suffered a recurrence of the knee injury which sidelined him for most of last season's Premiership campaign.

Leeds were initially reluctant to release Radebe for fear the 10-hour flight to South Africa would exacerbate his knee problem.

The Yorkshire club's manager Terry Venables offered to pay for a specialist of the SAFA's choosing to verify Radebe's injury.

The Premiership club bowed to advice from Radebe's agent Glyn Binkin, who persuaded the club to allow the player to travel, as South Africa were likely to invoke Fifa regulations to secure his release.

Binkin claimed: "It was a situation based on common sense.

"Lucas has no intention of turning his back on his country.

"He's flying from Leeds to Johannesburg at his own expense to resolve the percieved problem surrounding his commitment to Bafana Bafana.

"He's disappointed with the way he's been treated," Binkin added.

South Africa coach Mashaba said he is prepared to talk with Radebe, but would not commit himself as to the Leeds defender's international future.

Mashaba said: "I've got no problem talking to people.

"But what everyone must understand is that we are all governed by rules and people have to abide by that."