Broos Reiterates “Not A Racist Or Sexist”

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has once again reiterated that he is neither racist nor sexist, and has apologised to Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi and his agent, Basia Michael, following controversial comments he made after the player arrived late to national team camp last week.

Mbokazi, who recently helped Pirates win the Carling Knockout Cup, was granted a few days off along with his teammates after their victory over Marumo Gallants in the final. However, the defender arrived late to Bafana Bafana camp in Pretoria, where the team is preparing for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, after missing his flight from Durban to Johannesburg.

The incident sparked a strong reaction from Broos, who publicly rebuked the young defender and stated that he would meet with him, adding a comment that was widely criticised and interpreted as racially insensitive.

Broos also criticised Mbokazi’s agent for facilitating his move from Pirates to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire, suggesting she should have waited for better opportunities, particularly with Bafana Bafana set to compete in AFCON and the 2026 FIFA World Cup — tournaments that could increase the defender’s market value.

The coach went further by questioning the agent’s motives, comments that were widely condemned and construed as sexist.

Following the backlash, Broos admitted that his choice of words was inappropriate and issued another public apology on Saturday.

“Before you ask questions, I want to address what has happened in the past few days,” Broos said.

“I don’t want to answer questions about it afterward, so please give me a minute.

“I am deeply hurt by what has happened. My family — my wife, children and grandchildren — have also suffered.

“I have played with people of colour, coached them, and worked with them in Algeria, Cameroon and for the past four years in South Africa. You can ask any of them what kind of man I am.

“Some may say I am a bad coach, others a good coach, but no one would call me a racist.

“When Mbokazi was introduced to the team six months ago, we immediately saw his talent. That is why he was selected for Bafana Bafana and quickly became a regular player.

“He is only 20 years old, and there are people trying to take advantage of him. Young players need proper guidance to avoid making the wrong decisions.”

Broos also referenced Mbokazi’s red card against Zimbabwe in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in October, saying it highlighted a lack of guidance.

“The red card against Zimbabwe was a poor decision, and it made me suspect that the guidance around him was not sufficient,” Broos said.

“When Mbokazi arrived late for camp ahead of the most important tournament on the continent, AFCON, I was extremely angry — especially when some people tried to justify such a big mistake.

“I allowed my emotions to get the better of me because I feared his career could go in the wrong direction. It would be a waste if such a talented player failed to reach his potential due to poor guidance.

“I agree that my choice of words was wrong, and I apologise for that. But I never intended to make racist or sexist remarks.

“I am neither racist nor sexist.”

Broos and the Bafana Bafana squad will play a send-off friendly against Ghana at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday before departing for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, which runs from 21 December to 18 January.

South Africa, drawn in Group B, will open their AFCON campaign against Angola on 22 December in Marrakech.