CAN 2025 – Egypt vs South Africa: Hugo Broos' controversial slip sparks debate

CAN 2025 – Egypt vs South Africa: Hugo Broos at the center of a major controversy

Africa 26 December 2025 at 08:55

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI

News Editor

CAN 2025 – Egypt vs South Africa: Hugo Broos' controversial slip sparks debate

26.12.25 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Egypt

South Africa

Hugo Broos, long praised for breathing new life into the Bafana Bafana, now faces his first media storm of CAN 2025. Just two hours before a crucial showdown against Egypt, the South African head coach has been caught up by his own words, spoken on December 12 after the late arrival of defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi. In front of journalists, he made a comment with serious repercussions:

"I'm going to have a little chat with him (...) and I can assure you that even if this boy is black, when he leaves my office, he'll be white, because I cannot accept this kind of behavior."

This statement, deemed offensive by many observers, has tarnished the image of a coach who was previously respected. The South African Football Association, when approached, declined to comment further, preferring to let the football do the talking.

The South Africa head coach at the heart of a controversy 💥🇿🇦

Hugo Broos is facing a fierce backlash. Highly regarded for reviving the Bafana Bafana, the Belgian tactician's reputation has taken a hit following remarks made on December 12 in a press conference after the… pic.twitter.com/vCuUf79nsJ
— Onze Mondial (@OnzeMondial) December 26, 2025

On the pitch, nothing has been decided yet. At 4 p.m., South Africa will take on Egypt, with both nations having won their opening match. A win would officially secure the Bafana Bafana's spot in the next round... but Egypt has come for the same goal. At least this match will be free from any controversy.