Hugo Broos’ public rebuke of Mbekezeli Mbokazi does more harm than good
Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi recently completed the move to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire.
Image: Chicago Fire on Facebook
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos is not a happy man.
The national team gathered in Tshwane earlier this week to prepare for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
On Wednesday, Broos launched into a tirade about Mbekezeli Mbokazi being late for training. He then went on to criticise the former Orlando Pirates defender’s move to Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire, making comments that appear to be misogynistic about the 20-year-old’s agent in the process.
His remarks land at a delicate time, with Bafana Bafana needing focus and stability ahead of a gruelling Afcon campaign.
Broos might be justified in being annoyed by Mbokazi’s tardiness, but when it comes to the youngster’s transfer to the United States, he should have kept his thoughts to himself.
Making his feelings public now only adds pressure on Mbokazi. Like any young footballer, going to the World Cup is his dream, but he now has to wonder whether his move to Chicago could jeopardise his place in the national team.
Broos’ disdain for MLS is widely reported. Players like Minnesota United’s Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Philadelphia Union’s Olwethu Makhanya continue to be overlooked despite consistently strong performances. His comments risk reinforcing the idea that any South African player who leaves for MLS does so at the cost of their international ambitions.
Ultimately, Broos’ frustrations may come from a place of wanting the best for his players, but leadership also requires restraint. Publicly undermining a young footballer’s career move does little to help Bafana Bafana’s cohesion at a critical moment before Afcon.
If anything, this is a time for unity, clarity and calm – not added noise. Whether Mbokazi thrives in Chicago or not will depend on his performances, not on Broos’ personal views of MLS. And if the national coach wants unwavering commitment from his players, he might need to match that with a more measured, constructive approach of his own.
IOL Sport
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