I really don't understand how NZF is incapable of comprehending a relatively straightforward statute. I can refer them to several lawyers if they need them this badly!
This is how it goes:
Section 5 - General principle of who can play international football. The key issue is permanent nationality - this is the nationality that you hold permanently (i.e. from birth). For Deklan's purposes, his permanent nationality is South African.
Sections 6,7, and 8 provide clarification to Section 5 in cases where there are potential issues in what the 'permanent nationality' is.
Section 6 - clarifies Section 5 in situations where a player has 2 or more 'permanent nationalities' (to use the term from section 5). If Deklan, for example, had a NZ parent but was born in SA, this section would apply to him. But that's not the case, so it doesn't.
Section 7 - clarifies Section 5 in situations where a player with 1 'permanent nationality', and who had not represented that national association in international football before, wishes to switch to another nationality. This is the exact situation that Deklan's in - he wishes to change his SA nationality (having not played for SA before) for a NZ one. This is why section 7 applies to him.
Section 8 - clarifies section 5 in situations where a player with 1 'permanent nationality', and who had represented that national association in international football before, wishes to switch to another nationality. This doesn't apply to Deklan either.
NZF, I take cash, or direct deposit.