Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has apologised for his choice of words following comments made at a press conference last week, but insists he was neither racist nor sexist despite the backlash they sparked in some quarters.

Broos came under fire after strongly criticising defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi for arriving late at national team camp, as well as questioning the role of the player’s agent, Basia Michael, following Mbokazi’s move to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire. The remarks have since drawn the attention of the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), which is set to investigate the matter just days before the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has publicly backed the Belgian coach, who continues to enjoy strong support from the local football fraternity after guiding South Africa to successive AFCON qualifications and securing a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

However, the controversy has left a sour note, which Broos addressed when speaking to the media on Monday.

“My family, my wife, my children and grandchildren have also suffered from this,” Broos said. “I have played with people of colour, coached them, and worked with them in Algeria, in Cameroon, and over the last four years in South Africa.

“You can ask any of them what kind of man I am. Some may say I am a bad coach, others may say I am a good coach. Some might call me stubborn, but nobody would call me a racist.”

Broos went on to suggest that Mbokazi, who is still only 20, requires stronger guidance as his career continues to develop, and believes that support has been lacking.

“When Mbokazi was introduced into the team at Pirates, we immediately saw his talent,” Broos said. “He was rewarded with a call-up to Bafana Bafana in June and quickly became a regular. His life changed, and suddenly he had many friends — some with good intentions, others trying to take advantage of him.

“When you receive that level of attention so quickly as a young player, you need people around you who can guide you and help you avoid poor decisions. The red card against Zimbabwe in a World Cup qualifier in October was one of those moments that made me question whether that guidance was sufficient.”

Broos added that his frustration deepened when Mbokazi arrived late to national team camp ahead of AFCON preparations.

“This is the most important tournament on the continent,” he said. “I was incredibly angry about him arriving late, but even more so when a strange story was presented to justify it.

“I allowed my fatherly side to get the better of me because I could see things starting to go wrong. It would be a waste if Mbokazi failed to fulfil the career he is destined for due to a lack of proper guidance as a young, humble and talented player.

“I accept that my choice of words was wrong and I apologise for that, but I never intended to make racist or sexist comments. I am neither racist nor sexist.”

South Africa have been drawn in Group B for the Africa Cup of Nations and will begin their campaign against Angola next Monday, before also facing Egypt and Zimbabwe in the group stage.