🔥 BROOS UNDER FIRE: Racism & Sexism Storm Engulfs Bafana Coach as SAHRC Complaint Looms Ahead of AFCON 🔥
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has finally broken his silence after a wave of outrage erupted over remarks widely condemned as racist and sexist, throwing South African football into controversy just days before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The storm followed comments Broos made during a media briefing in Pretoria, where he lashed out at defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi over his late arrival at national team camp after completing a move from Orlando Pirates to MLS side Chicago Fire FC.
Among the remarks that triggered national backlash, Broos was quoted saying:
> “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 reportedly referred to Mbokazi’s agent, Basia Michaels, as a “nice little woman who is his agent” while criticising the overseas transfer — comments that many viewed as both racially charged and sexist.
🔴 Political & Legal Fallout
The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has since lodged a formal complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), accusing the Belgian coach of making statements that demean black players and women in football. The issue has quickly moved beyond sport into the political and human rights arena.
🟡 SAFA Steps In
The South African Football Association (SAFA) rushed to Broos’s defence, insisting the comments were misinterpreted and taken out of context. According to SAFA, the coach was merely expressing frustration over what he described as an “unprofessional attitude” and a premature overseas move that disrupted national team preparations.
Broos himself denied any racist or sexist intent, saying:
> “It is unfortunate that my strong rebuke of the player’s conduct was misinterpreted as racism and sexism. I distance myself completely from such accusations.”
SAFA further blamed a language barrier, suggesting Broos struggled to clearly express himself in English, leading to public misunderstanding.
⚠️ A Pattern of Controversy?
This is not the first time Broos has sparked debate with his blunt, uncompromising style. Since taking over Bafana Bafana, he has frequently clashed with:
Local clubs over player availability
Journalists over criticism of his selections
Agents and administrators over player transfers
While some praise him as “straight-talking and disciplined”, others argue his comments often cross cultural and racial sensitivities, especially in a country with South Africa’s painful history.
🏆 AFCON Pressure Mounts
Despite the uproar, SAFA has reaffirmed its full support for Broos, stressing that no formal complaints of racism or sexism have been raised internally by players or staff during his four-year tenure.
> “SAFA, the players and the technical team are fully behind coach Broos. Our focus is now solely on AFCON,” the association said.
As Bafana Bafana heads into one of its most important tournaments, the big question remains:
Can the team unite behind the coach — or will this controversy overshadow South Africa’s AFCON campaign?
🗣️ Your thoughts? Were Broos’s remarks misunderstood — or did he cross a line?