In an effort to stamp out “growing misconceptions in the media” about Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, the South Africa Football Association (Safa) yesterday on 13 December issued a firmly worded press release.
The remarks Broos has been lambasted for were made during a press conference ahead of the senior South African men’s football team’s preparations for the African Cup of Nations (Afcon). After criticising the professional conduct of Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and expressing frustration with the senior player’s agent, public and media reaction has been rife with accusation.
Amid the turmoil, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) on Friday confirmed that it was assessing hate speech complaints made against Broos. These had been formally brought against him by the United Democratic Movement, as well as members of the public.
In its statement the SAHRC also noted: “In this regard, the Commission acknowledges that the South African Football Association, in March this year, as part of Human Rights Month, assisted the Commission in communicating messages of anti-racism and promoting a culture of human rights.”
Voicing his own dismay at the turn the situation has taken, Broos also responded in Safa’s release.
“It is unfortunate that my strong rebuke of the player’s conduct and subsequent comments were misinterpreted as racism and sexism. I distance myself from any accusation of racism and sexism,” said Broos.
Safa stressed that “there was no discriminatory motive behind the coach’s remarks”.
The association continued by stating: “In Broos’ four years at the helm, neither players nor staff have raised any issues related to racism, sexism, or discrimination of any kind.” Safa credited “Broos’s forthright approach to issues affecting players and the national team as a key factor in building the squad’s current strength and unity”.
Bafana Bafana faces Angola on Monday 22 December in the Afcon group stage. The tournament officially starts on the Sunday.
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