South Africa's national football team head coach, Hugo Broos, has issued a public retraction and apology for controversial remarks he made regarding Mbekezeli Mbokazi's late arrival at the Bafana Bafana training camp. The incident sparked significant scrutiny, particularly concerning a comment interpreted as having racist undertones.

The controversy arose when 20-year-old centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi delayed his arrival to the Bafana Bafana camp, which was preparing for the upcoming AFCON 2025 tournament. Mbokazi's late appearance was attributed to his travel to the United States to finalize a transfer deal with the American club Chicago Fire. This decision did not sit well with Coach Broos, who publicly expressed his displeasure, labeling Mbokazi's actions as unprofessional.

During his initial comments, the 73-year-old Belgian tactician did not mince words, stating, “Mbokazi just arrived, or he will arrive in 15 minutes, I think, but I didn't want to speak about it, but okay, you asked a question. I think you have a right to know that I am not pleased with what he did.” Broos further elaborated on what he perceived as a lack of professionalism, referencing a missed flight and an alleged "nonsense" explanation from Mbokazi's club, Orlando Pirates, for protecting the player's unprofessional attitude.

Broos's criticism extended to the player's choice of club, Chicago Fire, which he belittled. "What is he going to do in Chicago? It's not even a top team in America, and if my info is right... they told me that he will play in MLS 2, on the second team of Chicago," he remarked, further suggesting that if true, it would be "even worse." Most notably, a specific statement made by Broos – "I can assure you he's a black guy, but he will get out of my room as a white guy because which I can't accept" – drew widespread condemnation and accusations of racism.

Following the intense public backlash, Broos moved to clarify and retract his statements. He acknowledged that his choice of words was inappropriate and offered an apology. "When Mbokazi arrived late in the Bafana Bafana camp in preparation for the most important tournament on the continent, AFCON, I was incredibly angry," Broos explained, citing his concern that Mbokazi might jeopardize his career due to a lack of proper guidance. He unequivocally denied any racist or sexist intent: "I agree that my choice of words was not right and I want to apologise for that. But I never, I repeat. I'm neither a racist nor sexist. I thank you.”

Bafana Bafana, hosts of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, are set to compete in AFCON 2025 Group B, where they will face Egypt, Angola, and Zimbabwe. Their opening fixture for the tournament is scheduled against Angola at Stade de Marrakech on Monday, December 22.