Social media has reacted after Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos expressed his anger after defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi arrived at the national team camp a day late.
The 73-year-old coach confirmed that the Orlando Pirates star missed his scheduled flight on Monday, forcing the technical team to adjust their preparations.
Broos said he only learned of the incident through Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who also expressed their frustration.
“He just arrived or he will arrive in 15 minutes. I didn’t want to speak about it, but you asked the question, and you have the right to know that I’m not pleased with what he did,” Broos told SABC Sport.
“He let us know that he missed his flight yesterday in Durban. It was the coach of Pirates who informed me, and he was very angry that he missed his flight. It’s an unprofessional attitude, and I’ve spoken before about the unprofessional attitude of some South African players. This is another example.”
Broos said he intends to confront Mbokazi directly about the incident following training.
“I will have a chat with him after training and I can assure you he is a black guy, but he will get out of my room as a white guy because that I cannot accept.”
Broos to deal with Mbokazi
The Belgian mentor added that he believes Mbokazi’s recent rise in popularity may be influencing the 20-year-old’s behaviour.
“I know why… suddenly Mboki is a star. He thinks he is a star and decides when to come,” Broos said.
After the news broke, fans praised Hugo Broos for speaking out against Mbokazi.
@tebogorashilo70 wrote: “Madala is very angry but he has a point, unprofessionalism, unhappy, he said he needs to ensure his commitment as a young star, no day-offs at his age. He can’t tolerate nonsense behaviour tjoooo.
@Lehabz wrote: “I’m a Pirates supporter and I’m behind Hugo Broos. Wrong things must be called out without fear or favour. That’s all.”
@YesThatRuss wrote: “Hugo [Broos] wants the best for Mbokazi, this is fatherly, I like white people who aren’t afraid to confront race, those are the least racist people, he’s angry that Mbokazi took a premature decision.”
