Broos did not mince his words as he criticised defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi for arriving late in camp, and the players agent for a move to Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer, but will now be investigated by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) just days away from the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
“I will have a chat with him after training. He is a black guy, but when he comes out of my room, he will be white (with fear),” Broos said of Mbokazi on Wednesday.
“I know why (he missed the flight). Suddenly he thinks he is a star. This is the attitude of a star – ‘I decide when I come’.”
Broos did also not hold back on Mbokazi’s agent, Basia Michaels over the move to the United States.
“What is he going to do in Chicago?” Broos asked. “They are not even a top team in America. But I know what happened. A nice little woman who is his agent and thinks she knows football is doing what many agents are doing now.
“They are saying, ‘How much (money) can I get?’ If they were clever they would know it is the AFCON and a World Cup (coming), and other teams are better.
“What will he (Mbokazi) do in a big city like that? No, I don’t think it is a good choice.”
The comments drew support and criticism in equal measure, but South African political party the United Democratic Movement said they will take Broos to the SAHRC, who confirmed on Friday they are investigating the matter.
But SAFA and Broos both denied there was any racism or sexism in the statement and said the comments were misunderstood and taken out of context.
“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,” said Broos.
“It is mind-boggling that the coach would be described in such a manner towards a player he has consistently supported since selecting him for the first time a few months ago.”
SAFA further said in a statement they are standing by their man: “The organisation emphases that there was no discriminatory motive behind the coach’s remarks.
“SAFA stressed that in Broos’ four years at the helm, neither players nor staff have raised any issues related to racism, sexism, or discrimination of any kind.
“They credited Broos’s forthright approach to issues affecting players and the national team as a key factor in building the squad’s current strength and unity.
“SAFA, the players and the staff are all fully behind coach Broos, and we are now completely focused on our participation in the AFCON in a few days’ time.”
