Bafana coach Hugo Broos apologizes for Mbokazi comments, strongly denies racism
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos admits his emotions might have gotten the best of him after his comments on center-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi and agent Basia Michaels, but reiterate his denial of accusations of racism and sexism.
Speaking to the media on Monday,15 December at the high performance centre in Pretoria, ahead of Bafana’s Tuesday friendly in Soweto against Ghana before departing to Morocco for the AFCON, Broos admitted his “choice of words were not the right one”, but insisted he “never wanted to make a racist or sexist comment” and was “neither a racist nor a sexist.
The incident stemmed from comments in which Broos strongly rebuked Mobokazi’s late arrival at the national team camp, and claims that his move to USA from Orlando Pirates was ill-advised.
In his response, Broos strongly denied these allegations, stating that his words were taken out of context and that there was no intent to cause harm or show disrespect.
“I’m deeply hurt by what’s happened in recent days. The worst part is that my family – my wife, children and grandchildren – have also suffered. I’ve played with people of colour, coached them and worked in Algeria, Cameroon and have now (spent) four years in South Africa. You can ask any of them what kind of man I am. Some will say I’m a bad or a good coach, some will call me stubborn, but no one will call me a racist.
“When (Mbekezeli) Mbokazi was introduced into the team six months ago by his coach at (Orlando) Pirates, we immediately saw his talent. He was rewarded with selection to Bafana Bafana and became a regular player. His life changed, and suddenly he had many friends. Some meant well, others tried to take advantage of him.”
“When you attract all the attention so quickly as a young 20-year-old footballer, you need guidance from people who can prevent you from making the wrong decisions. The red card against Zimbabwe (in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in October 2025) was one of the poor decisions that made me suspect that this guidance wasn’t sufficient. Worse, he was protected from potential sanctions.”
Broos added that when Mbokazi arrived a day late at the Bafana Bafana camp in preparation for the most important tournament on the continent, the Africa Cup of Nations, he was incredibly angry with him but even more angry at the people who sent him a strange story trying to justify his enormous unprofessional error.
“I let my fatherly side get the better of me in my response because I saw that things could go wrong. It would be a waste if Mbokazi didn’t pursue the career he was destined for due to a lack of proper guidance, a guidance he needs as an inexperienced, young, humble and talented player.”
“I agree that my choice of words was not correct and I want to apologize for that. But I never, I repeat, never, wanted to make a racist or sexist comment. I am neither a racist nor a sexist.”