Hugo Broos, coach of South Africa during the Bafana Bafana press conference at High Performance Centre in Pretoria on the 10 December 2025 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025. 11:19
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has apologized for comments made last week about Mbekezeli Mbokazi and his agent Basia Michaels.
Broos blasted both Mbokazi and his agent last week after the player reported a day late for Bafana Bafana’s camp in preparation for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Referring to the dressing down he would give Mbokazi, Broos stated last week Wednesday that “[Mbokazi] is a black guy but when he comes out of my room he will be white,” referring to the fear he would instill in the player over further disciplinary infringements with the colour metaphorically draining from the player’s face.
Broos also referred to Michaels as “A nice little woman who is his agent and thinks she knows football” in expressing his displeasure over the 20-year-old’s move to Chicago Fire in the MLS, questioning whether those around the player truly have his best interests at heart.
The former Belgian international’s comments caused a stir, which led to accusations of both racism and sexism.
Broos responded in Monday’s press conference in Pretoria, apologising for his comments and firmly defending himself, stating he was neither a racist or sexist in a prepared statement.
“I am deeply hurt by what has happened in recent days. The worst part of it is that my family – my wife, my children and grandchildren – have also suffered,” said Broos.
“I have played with people of colour, coached them and worked with them in Algeria, in Cameroon and now for four years in South Africa. You can ask any of them what kind of man I am. Maybe some will say he is a bad coach, maybe some others will say he is a good coach, or maybe they will call me stubborn. But no one will call me a racist,” he said.
“I agree my choice of words was not right and I want to apologise.”
“But I never meant to make racists or sexist remarks. I am neither a racist nor a sexist.”
Bafana Bafana are set to face Ghana in an international friendly at the Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday ahead of their travels to Morocco for AFCON.
By Nic Gleeson