By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has issued a public apology after his choice of words used at expressing anger at young centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi, which sparked an outrage.
Bross apology follows a complaint lodged by the United Democratic Movement (UDM) at the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).
The UDM alleges that Broos made racist and sexist remarks towards Mbokazi and his agent, Basia Michaels.
Broos addressed the media at the Tuks High Performance in Pretoria.
Speaking to the media on Monday, ahead Tuesday friendly in Johannesburg against Ghana before flying to Morocco for the AFCON (December 21 – January 18), Broos admitted his “choice of words was not the right one”, but insisted he “never wanted to make a racist or sexist comment” and was “neither a racist nor a sexist”.
SAFA had, on Saturday, defended Broos and said the Belgian’s comments were “misinterpreted and later amplified into unfounded character accusations”.
The Belgian was quoted as echoing SAFA’s sentiments in their initial statement after the fallout but stuck a more conciliatory tone on Monday.
However, he once again expressed concern over guidance Mbokazi was receiving. Notably, he touched on Mbokazi being taken advantage of.
This time, Broos did not suggest that Michaels was one of the people exploiting Mbokazi – and his words echoed comments from Michaels herself in a previous interview with the Real Network, where she had expressed concern over people who “feel entitled” to the 20-year-old’s wealth.
“My family, my wife, my children and grandchildren have also suffered [as a result of the fallout of the initial comments,” Broos told the media.
“I’ve played with people of colour, coached them, worked with them in Algeria, in Cameroon – and in the last four years, in South Africa. You can ask any of them what kind of man I am.
“Maybe some would say: ‘He’s a bad coach’. Maybe others would say: ‘He’s a good coach.’ Maybe, they would call me ‘stubborn’, but nobody would call me ‘a racist’.
“When Mbokazi was introduced into the team… by his coach at Pirates (initially José Riveiro and later Abdeslam Ouaddou following his initial Bafana breakthrough), we immediately saw his talent.
“He was rewarded with selection for Bafana Bafana and became a regular player [from June 2025 onwards]. His life changed and suddenly, he had many friends. Some meant well; others tried to take advantage of him.
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.