Bafana Bafana Coach Hugo Broos in Hot Soup Following Racism, Sexism Allegations

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos is the subject of a formal complaint lodged with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) by the United Democratic Movement (UDM).

The political party has acted over comments the coach made concerning Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi and his agent, Basia Michaels.

The UDM confirmed on Thursday that it had filed the complaint, accusing the Belgian coach of making ‘racist and sexist remarks’ during a press conference in Pretoria the previous day.

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Hugo Broos had been vocal about his frustration with Mbekezeli Mbokazi's late arrival to the national team camp and his recent transfer to American club Chicago Fire FC.

The controversy centres on a statement Hugo Broos made about a planned discussion with the defender.

"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," the coach said.

UDM Member of Parliament Nqabayomzi Kwankwa announced the complaint on Facebook, writing: "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 complaint also highlights Hugo Broos' comments about Mbekezeli Mbokazi's agent, Basia Michaels. He reportedly referred to her as a "nice little woman who is his agent" while questioning the player's move to the United States.

A source within the Bafana Bafana camp, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested Hugo Broos' words were misinterpreted.

The source claimed the coach meant Mbokazi would be left ‘pale with concern’ after their disciplinary talk and that his remarks about Michaels were a result of his imperfect English.

However, the UDM has dismissed this explanation. In a letter signed by Secretary-General Yongama Zigebe, the party described the comments as "racially coded, derogatory and gender-diminishing," emphasising their impact in a nation still confronting its history of institutional racism and sexism.

Citing Section 9 of the Constitution, which prohibits unfair discrimination, the UDM's letter stated: "Public figures, particularly those entrusted with national teams, bear heightened obligations to uphold the values of non-racialism, non-sexism, respect and equality."

The party has called on the SAHRC to conduct an independent investigation and recommend appropriate action to ensure accountability. The South African Football Association (SAFA) has not yet commented on the matter.