South Africa National Men’s Football Head Coach Hugo Broos has apologised for making harsh statements recently that were directed at South Africa defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the wake of the latter’s surprise decision to leave Orlando Pirates to sign for Major League Soccer (MLS) Club Chicago Fire.
Mbokazi’s decision angered Broos who questioned the timing of the move (just before the 2025 AFCON), the choice of league destination and Mbokazi’s late arrival to camp to prepare for the AFCON. Broos went on to say, “I can assure you: he (Mbokazi) is a black guy, but he will get out of my room as a white guy” according to ESPN.
His comments led to a serious backlash in South Africa where racist matters are very sensitive. Broos was also reported to the South African Human Rights Commission by a political party in South Africa, the United Democratic Movement over his comments.
However, in the lead up to South Africa’s pre-AFCON friendly against Ghana’s Black Galaxies on December 16 at 14:00 GMT, Hugo Broos has apologised for his comment and stressed that he is not racist.
“When Mbokazi arrived late in the Bafana Bafana camp in preparation for the most important tournament of the continent, AFCON, I was incredibly angry.
“I saw that things could go wrong. It would be a waste if Mbokazi didn’t pursue the career he was blessed with because due to a lack of proper guidance.
“I agree that my choice of words was not right and I want to apologise for that but I never, I repeat, 𝗜 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁. I’m neither a racist nor sexist. I thank you” Broos said.
South Africa are in Group B at the AFCON with Egypt, Zimbabwe and Angola.
