Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has apologised after comments he made about young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi sparked accusations of racism and sexism, admitting his “choice of words was not the right one”.

The 73-year-old Belgian found himself at the centre of controversy following remarks made during Bafana’s AFCON preparation camp, where he criticised Mbokazi’s late arrival and questioned the guidance around the 20-year-old, who has since completed a move from Orlando Pirates to MLS club Chicago Fire.

Speaking to the media on Monday ahead of South Africa’s friendly against Ghana on Tuesday, Broos said he was deeply hurt by the reaction to his comments and stressed that he never intended to offend.

“I never wanted to make a racist or sexist comment,” Broos said. “I am neither a racist nor a sexist. But I can admit that my choice of words was not the right one.”

Addressing Mbokazi’s late arrival in camp, Broos had said: “I will have a chat with him after training. And I can assure you he is a black guy, and he will get out of my room as a white guy (out of fear). Because that I can’t accept. But I know why. Suddenly Mboki is a star – he thinks he is a star.”

Regarding his move to MLS, Broos had added: “I think, no [it’s not a good move]. What is he going to do in Chicago? But I know what happened, a woman who is his agent and thinks she knows football is doing what many agents are doing and thinking ‘how much can I get.”

On Monday, Broos said the controversy had extended beyond football. “My family, my wife, my children and grandchildren have also suffered because of this,” he said.

“I’ve played with people of colour, coached them and worked with them in Algeria, Cameroon and now South Africa. You can ask any of them what kind of man I am.”

“Maybe some would say: ‘He’s a bad coach’. Maybe others would say: ‘He’s a good coach.’ Maybe, they would call me ‘stubborn’, but nobody would call me ‘a racist’.

Broos explained that his frustration stemmed from Mbokazi’s disciplinary lapse and concern about the sudden attention surrounding the player. “When Mbokazi was introduced into the team, we immediately saw his talent,” he said. “His life changed very quickly. Suddenly, he had many friends. Some meant well, others didn’t.”

He cited Mbokazi’s red card in a World Cup qualifier and his late arrival at camp as warning signs. “When a young player gets called up for AFCON, you expect the highest level of professionalism,” Broos said. “That’s why I was so angry.”

SAFA has defended Broos, stating his comments were misinterpreted and amplified, but the coach accepted responsibility for how they were received. “What I meant is different from what was perceived,” he said. “For that, I apologise.”

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/BackpagePix