‘He needs guidance’ – Broos maintains hardline stance on Mbokazi

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has maintained his stance on defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, saying the player must be guided if he is to unleash his full potential.

Broos has found himself in trouble after his comments regarding Mbokazi’s late arrival to camp for their preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as well as his transfer to MLS side Chicago Fire, when he was accused of racism and sexism.

The 73-year-old has since distanced himself from those allegations, apologising for his choice of words, but he insists the young defender must be protected if he is to stay on the straight and narrow.

Mbokazi attracting ‘wrong attention’

“Mbokazi was introduced into the team six months ago by his coach at Pirates and we immediately saw his talents. He was rewarded with selection for Bafana Bafana and became a regular player,” Broo said on Monday.

“His life changed and suddenly, he had many friends, some meant well, others tried to take advantage of him. When you attract all that attention so quickly as a young 20-year-old footballer, you need guidance from people who can prevent you from making the wrong decisions.”

Broos feels Mbokazi has shown worrying signs in recent matches which must be nipped in the bud before it messes up his career, which is still at its infancy.

What must be done for the young defender?

“The red card against Zimbabwe was one of his poor decisions that made me suspect that the guidance was not sufficient, worse, he was protected from potential sanctions,” added the Bafana boss.

“When Mbokazi then arrived late at the Bafana Bafana camp in preparation for the most important tournament of the continent, AFCON, I was incredibly angry at him but even more so at some people, who sent me a strange story to justify his enormous professional error.

“I let my fatherly side get the better of me in my response because I saw that things could go wrong. It would be a waste if Mbokazi did not pursue the career he was destined for due to a lack of proper guidance. A guidance he needs as an inexperienced, young, humble talented player.”