By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has lodged a complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) against Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos.
The UDM alleges that Broos made racist and sexist remarks towards Bafana Bafana’s young centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi and his agent, Basia Michaels.
Broos was scathing about former Orlando Pirates defender following his late showing to camp on Wednesday.
At the team’s press conference, Broos questioned the 20-year-old’s professionalism and cast doubt upon the advice he is receiving from his agent.
Broos continued with his tirade, this time turning focus to Michaels.
This comes after Michaels helped the 20-year-old defender move to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire.
Mbokazi played his last match for Pirates when they faced Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout final and he heads to the USA after AFCON.
“I will tell you what I think. What is he going to do in Chicago?” Broos told the media
“It’s not even a top team in America. And if my info is right, don’t quote me, but they told me he will play in MLS 2, the second team of Chicago. I don’t know if it’s the truth; I will ask him when I see him.That is even worse.
“I know what happened. A nice little woman who is his agent and thinks she knows football is doing what many agents are doing. How much can I get?
“If she is clever, she knows there is AFCON and next year the World Cup. There would’ve been better teams for his career than Chicago,” added the veteran coach.
“What is he going to do alone in a big city like that? I don’t think it’s a good choice.”
A source close to the Bafana Bafana camp attempted to clarify the coach’s intent, suggesting Broos meant Mbokazi would be left “pale with concern” (white) after being disciplined, and attributed the comments regarding Michaels to the coach’s imperfect command of English.
UDM quoted Section 9 of the Constitution that “expressly prohibits unfair discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, and other protected categories.
“The reported comments, racially coded, derogatory, and gender-diminishing, cannot be dismissed as off-hand remarks,” read the letter.
“They carry historical and cultural significance in a society still healing from the institutionalisation of racism and sexism.
“Public figures, particularly those entrusted with national teams, bear heightened obligations to uphold the values of non-racialism, non-sexism, respect and equality.”
“An independent investigation” has been requested by the UDM as they call the SAHRC to “issue appropriate recommendations to ensure accountability [and] corrective measures.”
Bafana Bafana are currently in camp in Pretoria as they prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, due to start later this month.