The South African Football Association (SAFA) has leapt to the defence of Bafana Bafana head coach, Hugo Broos.
This follows the United Democratic Movement (UDM) lodging a formal complaint at the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) over what it alleges were “racist and sexist remarks” made by Broos recently.
Broos’ tirade in Pretoria during a press conference on Wednesday was sparked by defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s late arrival in camp.
“I will have a chat with him after training, and I can assure you, he’s a Black guy, and he will leave my room as a white guy,” said Broos.
The Bafana Bafana mentor also took a swipe at female football agent Basia Michaels, criticising her involvement in Mbokazi’s move to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Chicago Fire, claiming it’s not the right move for the 20-year-old centre-back.
SAFA has released a statement in which they defend Broos, who’s currently in camp with the team ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“His remarks, made during a recent press conference ahead of the team’s preparations for the AFCON, were subsequently misconstrued,” noted SAFA.
“SAFA maintains that Broos’s strongly worded comments, aimed purely at football matters, were misinterpreted and later amplified into unfounded character accusations… 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.”
The Association further clarified that Broos’s remarks regarding the player’s agent were intended to underscore the importance of football agents prioritising players’ welfare and long-term development over short-term financial gain.
SAFA noted that a language barrier contributed to the coach’s frustrations not being fully or clearly conveyed during the interview, leading to misunderstandings about his intent.
“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,” added the Association.
“As the Bafana Bafana squad prepares for AFCON and looks ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Association urges the public to recognise the coach’s contribution and rally behind the team ahead of the forthcoming continental showpiece.
“SAFA, the players and the staff are all fully behind coach Broos, and we are now completely focused on our participation in the AFCON in a few days’ time.”
Broos added, “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.”
