Hugo Broos seeks redemption at AFCON after remarks spark outcry in South Africa | OneFootball

Hugo Broos leads South Africa into the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday at 18:00 against Angola, coached by Patrice Beaumelle. He has apologised for remarks that provoked a backlash in a country long scarred by apartheid.

According to L'Équipe, at a 12 December press conference the Belgian rebuked 20-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi for lateness with a comment about skin colour, implying the player would not be late again. He also criticised the player’s agent over a planned move to Chicago, describing her as a kid who should have waited until after AFCON and even the World Cup to field other offers.

An MP from the United Democratic Movement referred the matter to the South African Human Rights Commission, alleging racist and sexist comments. A South African journalist said he did not believe Broos was racist but argued the words were unacceptable and especially loaded given the country’s history.

Broos apologised swiftly and received official backing from the federation, which helped cool the row, at least for now.

The 73-year-old has rebuilt his standing through results, leading South Africa to their first World Cup qualification since 2002 and revitalising the domestic game over three years. He retains wide respect in Africa, enhanced by Cameroon’s AFCON title in 2017.

Source: L'Équipe