Cape Town – The South African Football Association (SAFA) has come out in full support of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos after his recent remarks about Orlando Pirates midfielder Mbekezeli Mbokazi sparked allegations of racism and sexism.
The controversy began when Broos commented on Mbokazi’s late arrival to the national team camp, saying: “I can assure you he is a Black guy, but he will come out of my room as a white guy, because that I can’t accept.”
He also criticised Mbokazi’s agent, describing her as “a well-meaning woman who thinks she knows football” and accused her of focusing on financial gain, saying she is like many agents today who ask, “How much money can I get?”
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) lodged a formal complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), interpreting the remarks as racially charged.
Safa, however, defended Broos, stating that his comments were misinterpreted and were aimed solely at addressing the player’s professional behaviour, not his race or gender.
𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗔 𝗗𝗘𝗙𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗦 𝗛𝗨𝗚𝗢 𝗕𝗥𝗢𝗢𝗦!!!
“In Broos’s four years at the helm, neither players nor staff have raised any issues related to racism…” – @SAFA_net.#UNPLAYABLE pic.twitter.com/AekpeLYwaX
— #UNPLAYABLE (@UnplayableZA) December 13, 2025
“It is unfortunate that my strong rebuke of the player’s conduct and subsequent comments were misinterpreted as racism and sexism. I distance myself from any accusation of racism and sexism,” said Broos.
“It is mind-boggling that the coach would be described in such a manner towards a player he has consistently supported since selecting him for the first time a few months ago,” added Safa.
Assistant coach Helman Mkhalele confirmed that the disciplinary issue with Mbokazi was resolved internally and that the player was “very much a happy chappie” at training.
“SAFA stressed that in Broos’ four years at the helm, neither players nor staff have raised any issues related to racism, sexism, or discrimination of any kind. They credited Broos’s forthright approach to issues affecting players and the national team as a key factor in building the squad’s current strength and unity.”
As AFCON preparations continue, SAFA is urging fans to support Broos, crediting his forthright approach with building a cohesive and competitive national squad.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
