Hugo Broos under scrutiny: UDM files Human Rights Complaint over alleged racist and sexist remarks before Africa Cup of Nations

With Bafana Bafana's squad of players having one foot on the plane that will take them to the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, which begins on December 21, they have been rocked by the controversy that is hovering over the head of the coach, Hugo Broos.

Apart from readying his team for the showpiece continental football event, the silver-haired Belgian must brace himself for the trouble that is due to come his way, now that the UDM political party lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission regarding his alleged racially charged and sexist utterances.

Broos let rip when he spoke to the media earlier this week about defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi's late arrival at Bafana's training due to a flight delay.

The coach also took umbrage with the Orlando Pirates player's decision to move to US side Chicago Fire.

Broos said at a press conference: “If you receive a call-up to play for the national team to play in AFCON and the World Cup, if your [club] coach gives you a few days more off, if you are somebody with a good attitude, you don’t even want those two days. You are here on Monday like the other players.

"I will have a chat with him after training. And I can assure you, he’s a black guy, but he will come out of my room as a white guy.”

The other comment that has brought trouble for Broos was the manner in which he referred to Mbokazi’s agent, who assisted the player with a move to the MLS. Broos said: "...that little woman who thinks she knows football.”

UDM MP Nqabayomzi Kwankwa confirmed that they have laid a formal complaint with the Human Rights Commission against Broos for his racist and sexist remarks directed at Mbokazi and his agent, Ms Basia Michaels.

“Racism and white supremacist attitudes have no place in our society and we will not tolerate them from anyone, including the Bafana Bafana coach. We have also written to SAFA to express our deep concern and disgust at his comments. Hugo must be held to account for his utterances!” said Kwankwa.

How the HRC and SAFA respond will determine the fate that might befall Broos. Broos and his team were riding the crest of a wave after qualifying for the AFCON and securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament, which will be hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.

The 2010 World Cup, hosted in South Africa, was the last time Bafana participated in the tournament.

On his official X account, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie said: “I’m awaiting the response from SAFA and Coach Hugo Broos before I comment.

The comments made by the coach require clarification as they are open to any interpretation currently.” IOL sent a request for comment to SAFA, but no response had been received at the time of publication.

Meanwhile, Bafana had a send-off celebration for the upcoming continental showpiece in Morocco, hosted at FNB Stadium yesterday.

DAILY NEWS