Cape Town – Head coach of South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, Hugo Broos, has apologised for controversial comments made about defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi and his agent Basia Michaels during a press conference last week.
He expressed fury over Mbokazi missing a flight to join the team for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, stating, “He is a black guy but when he comes out of my room he will be white (with fear).”
Broos also criticised Michaels, calling her a “nice little woman” who prioritises money over football knowledge in securing Mbokazi’s move to Chicago Fire.
The United Democratic Movement reported Broos and the South African Football Association (SAFA) to the Human Rights Commission over the remarks, sparking racism and sexism allegations.
SAFA issued a statement refuting the claims over the weekend, with Broos adding his own apology on Monday at the TUKS High Performance Centre.
He expressed deep hurt, noting the impact on his family, and highlighted his history working with players of color in Algeria, Cameroon, and South Africa.
He admitted his word choice was wrong but firmly denied being racist or sexist, insisting no one who knows him would label him as such.
“I am deeply hurt by what has happened in recent days,” Broos said.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has apologised for racist and sexist comments he made last week following the late arrival of defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi into camp. The Belgian mentor strongly refuted suggestions that he is a racist and a sexist after the United Democratic Movement… pic.twitter.com/A62nafRDkp
— eNCA (@eNCA) December 15, 2025
“The worst part of it is that my family – my wife, my children and grandchildren – have also suffered. I have played with people of colour and coached and worked with them in Algeria and Cameroon and now in South Africa for four years.
“You can ask any of them what kind of man I am. Maybe some will say I am a bad coach, and others maybe a good coach. Maybe some will call be stubborn. But no one will call me a racist.
“I agree my choice of words was not right and I want to apologise.
“But I never meant to make racists or sexist remarks. I am neither a racist or a sexist.”
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
