South Africa: Hugo Broos issues apology over comments on Mbekezeli Mbokazi

South Africa national team coach Hugo Broos has formally apologized for remarks he made concerning defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s late arrival at the national team camp, stressing that his comments were never intended to be racist or sexist.

I acknowledge that my choice of words was not appropriate and I apologize for it, but never, I repeat, never did I intend to make racist or sexist remarks. I am neither racist nor sexist. Thank you, Broos said, addressing the controversy directly.

The Belgian coach explained that his frustration stemmed from Mbokazi arriving late to the Bafana Bafana camp as the team prepared for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

When Mbokazi was brought into the squad six months ago by his coach and the Pirates, we immediately saw his talent. He was rewarded with a call-up to the Bafana Bafana and became a regular player, Broos noted. When he arrived a day late to the camp, I was extremely angry with him, but even more so with certain people who sent me a strange story to justify his huge professional error.

Broos emphasized the importance of strong mentorship and support for young players.

Highlighting his experience coaching across Africa, including in Algeria and Cameroon, he stated, I’ve been in South Africa for four years now. You can ask any of them what kind of man I am. He added that young players, particularly those attracting early attention like Mbokazi, require guidance to navigate their careers successfully. It would be a waste if Mbokazi didn’t pursue the career destined for him due to a lack of proper guidance, he said.

The coach also addressed the role of Mbokazi’s agent, describing her as a nice young woman who thinks she knows about football and pointing out that her involvement reflects common practices among agents.

Broos underlined that his aim was to safeguard the player’s development while balancing the needs of the national team.

Broos’s clarification comes amid heightened scrutiny over the national team’s preparation ahead of AFCON 2025, as Bafana Bafana seeks to field a disciplined and focused squad in Morocco.

The coach’s apology aims to reaffirm his commitment to fairness and professionalism while maintaining accountability for the players under his charge.

By stressing that his criticism was rooted in professional standards rather than personal prejudice, Broos seeks to close the chapter on the controversy and shift attention back to the team’s preparations for the continental tournament.

His remarks underline the challenges coaches face managing emerging talent while ensuring national team expectations are met.