BROOS IN STORMY WEATHER: Bafana Coach Faces SAHRC Probe Over 'Racist' Remarks

Top:Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos. Bottom: Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi and his agent, Basia Michaels.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief of The Azanian

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos is facing intense backlash and a probe by the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) over alleged racist and sexist remarks made during a press conference in Pretoria.

The controversy surrounds comments Broos made about Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi and his agent, Basia Michaels. Broos reportedly said, "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," referring to Mbokazi's late arrival to the national team camp.

Broos also criticized Michaels, saying, "A nice little woman who is his agent and thinks she knows football is doing what many agents are doing. 'How much can I get?' If she is a little bit clever, she knows that there is AFCON and she knows that next year there is World Cup, [and] that there will be other teams, better for his career, to go to and not to Chicago."

The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has lodged a formal complaint with the SAHRC, alleging that Broos' comments are "racially suggestive and sexist utterances that demean the dignity of the individuals concerned and undermine the constitutional values that govern all public institutions, including national sports structures".

UDM Secretary-General Yongama Zigebe condemned the remarks, stating, "Racism and white supremacist attitudes have no place in our society and we will not tolerate them from anyone, including the Bafana Bafana coach".

The SAHRC has been requested to launch an independent investigation and assess whether Broos' comments amount to unfair discrimination, hate speech, or impairments of dignity. The South African Football Association (SAFA) has not yet commented on the matter.

Broos' comments have sparked widespread outrage, with many calling for accountability and action. The incident has overshadowed Bafana Bafana's preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, raising questions about the team's focus and leadership.

The Azanian calls on Broos to issue an unconditional apology for his remarks and for SAFA to take decisive action to address racism and sexism in South African football.