The United Democratic Movement (UDM) has lodged a formal complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) against Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, accusing him of making racially and sexually offensive remarks during a team press briefing this week.
The complaint stems from comments Broos made about Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi and his agent, Basia Michaels, after the 20‑year‑old arrived late to the national team’s training camp ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025.
At the press conference, Broos was quoted saying he would speak to Mbokazi behind closed doors and that “he’s a black guy, but he will come out of my room as a white guy,” in reference to a meeting over Mbokazi’s conduct. Critics have described the language as racially insensitive. Broos also referred to agent Basia Michaels as “that little woman who thinks she knows football,” a remark the UDM says was sexist and demeaning.
UDM Deputy President Nqabayomzi Kwankwa said the remarks undermine human dignity and contravene constitutional values of non‑racialism and non‑sexism. The party has also written to the South African Football Association (SAFA), calling for a public apology, a comprehensive investigation, and mandatory sensitivity and anti‑racism training for national team staff.
The SAHRC complaint arrives as Bafana Bafana prepare for AFCON later this month and as South Africa looks ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Responses from Broos and SAFA were not immediately available.