Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has apologised to the Moroccan people following comments by Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, who said the Africa Cup of Nations lacked a typical AFCON atmosphere.
McKenzie was speaking to journalists this morning at OR Tambo International Airport, where the national team arrived after their early exit from the tournament.
McKenzie said Broos should not have made the remarks, adding that it was inappropriate to criticise a host nation.
“You don’t do that. You don’t embarrass your host,” McKenzie said.
“If I go to your house and you give me black tea instead of tea with milk, I would rather go home and complain there. I wouldn’t say it to your face. You don’t do that. I want to apologise to the Moroccan people because there was a vibe.”
Meanwhile, Broos says he is disappointed that Bafana Bafana failed to win this year’s AFCON, believing the team had the potential to go all the way.
“It was very tough after the loss to Cameroon, for me and for South Africa,” Broos said.
“I wanted to come back with the cup. I think there were possibilities for us. We had the talent.”
The national team will now shift focus to their next assignment, qualification for this year’s FIFA World Cup.
