SAFA defends Broos amid racism and sexism firestorm

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has been forced to break his silence following a furious backlash, including a formal complaint to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), over remarks made during a recent media briefing that sparked allegations of racism and sexism.

The controversy centres on highly critical comments the Belgian coach directed toward defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi and his agent, Basia Michaels, this past Wednesday in Pretoria. The SA Football Association (SAFA) issued a lengthy statement on Saturday attempting to quell the mounting public uproar.

The Controversial Comments By Broos

The storm erupted after Broos voiced frustration over Mbokazi’s late arrival at the national team’s AFCON training camp at the University of Pretoria’s High Performance Centre, compounded by the timing of the player’s transfer from Orlando Pirates to MLS side Chicago Fire FC.

Broos’s original statements included the assertion: “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.” He also referred to Mbokazi’s agent as a “nice little woman who is his agent” while criticising the timing of the move.

These remarks immediately drew public dismay, leading the United Democratic Movement (UDM) to lodge a formal complaint with the SAHRC, alleging the coach had made “racist and sexist remarks.”

SAFA’s Defence: Misinterpretation and Language Barrier

SAFA claimed that Broos’s intent—which was aimed purely at what he perceived as “unprofessional attitude” regarding the late arrival and the ‘premature’ transfer push—was “misinterpreted and later amplified into unfounded character accusations.”

In the association’s defence, Broos formally distanced himself from the severe allegations. “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,” the coach stated.

SAFA further suggested that a “language barrier contributed to the coach’s frustrations not being fully or clearly conveyed during the interview,” leading to misunderstandings about his true, non-discriminatory motive.

The organisation vouched for the coach’s integrity, stating that throughout his four-year tenure, “neither players nor staff have raised any issues related to racism, sexism, or discrimination of any kind.” SAFA clarified that the comments regarding the agent were intended only to “underscore the importance of football agents prioritising players’ welfare and long-term development over short-term financial gain.”

Concluding its statement, SAFA reaffirmed its complete support for Broos, highlighting his role in transforming the national team and building its current strength. The association urged the public to cease the distraction and “rally behind the team” ahead of the continental showpiece.