SAFA defends coach Hugo Broos amid AFCON controversy

As the storm surrounding Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos intensifies, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has come to his defence.

SAFA have given the Belgian coach their full backing as preparations ramp up for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Morocco later this month.

The controversy ignited earlier this week after Broos made comments regarding 20-year-old Orlando Pirates midfielder Mbekezeli Mbokazi, which some critics have interpreted through the lens of racism and sexism.

These allegations were sparked by remarks Broos made at a press conference, prompting a formal complaint to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) from the United Democratic Movement (UDM).

At the heart of the controversy is an incident involving Mbokazi’s late arrival to the team’s camp, during which Broos stated: “I can assure you he is a Black guy, but he will come out of my room as a white guy, because that I can’t accept.”

This phrasing has drawn significant scrutiny for its implications and has been labelled as racially charged by UDM secretary-general Bongani Msomi.

After Broos had spoken with Mbokazi, the team management settled the matter, and Mbokazi was very much a ‘happy chappie’ at the training camp this week.

Bafana assistant coach Helman Mkhalele has since confirmed that the disciplinary issue involving Mbokazi has been quickly resolved internally. This allowed the squad to stay entirely focused on the upcoming AFCON.

Following this uproar, SAFA has vigorously defended Broos, explaining that his comments were misunderstood. The Association maintains that his frustrations were solely about the player’s professional behaviour and did not carry any discriminatory intentions.

“It is mind-boggling that the coach would be described in such a manner,” SAFA stated, reaffirming their confidence in Broos’ dedication to the team. SAFA further explained that Broos’ remark about Mbokazi’s agent, Basia Michaels, was intended to underscore the importance of prioritising athletes’ welfare and development over immediate financial interests.

This stance counters UDM’s narrative.The Association acknowledged the potential for a language barrier contributing to the misunderstanding of Broos’s intended meaning, stating, “The nuances of his criticism might not have been effectively communicated,” SAFA said in a statement.

Additionally, it is noteworthy that throughout Broos’s four-year coaching tenure, no players or staff raised prior allegations of racism or sexism. This context adds weight to SAFA’s assertion that Broos’ primary focus remains the success and cohesion of the national team.

His forthright approach has been credited with fostering a strong squad ready to confront international challenges. As excitement builds ahead of the AFCON tournament, SAFA is calling on fans to unite and support Broos, highlighting the coach’s significant contributions to the national squad’s transformation.

Amidst the furore of allegations in the unfolding saga against Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, SAFA staunchly defends him as preparations for AFCON intensify.