An immense scandal is dominating the African press ahead of the start of the Africa Cup of Nations, a competition that will take place in Morocco starting on December 21.
The coach of South Africa, the nation where FCSB defender Siyabonga Ngezana will also play, made a series of statements that shocked the football world, and beyond. Hugo Broos is accused of racism and sexism following statements in which he strongly criticized a player called up to the national team and his agent.
The 73-year-old coach criticized his player Mbekezeli Mbokazi during a press conference after the player arrived late to the national team's camp:
"I am not pleased with what he did. I will talk to him after training, I assure you he is a black guy now, but he will come out white from my office, because I cannot accept this. I am very, very angry because of his attitude," declared the Belgian coach, according to the newspaper The Athletic.
However, his tirade continued, and he also directed his criticism towards the 20-year-old defender's agent, Basia Michaeles: "That little woman, his agent, thinks she knows football. She does what many agents do, only thinks 'How much can I get?'"
His statements caused an uproar, and immediately, the United Democratic Movement in South Africa requested an investigation and stated the following: "If confirmed, these remarks constitute suggestive racial and sexist statements that demean the dignity of the individuals concerned and undermine the constitutional values governing all public institutions, including national sports structures."
South Africa will be part of Group B in the AFCON, alongside Angola, Egypt, and Zimbabwe. In addition to the defender, FCSB also has two players at AFCON 2025, namely David Kiki (Benin) and Baba Alhassan (Uganda).
D.A.