Hugo Broos Slams Mbekezeli Mbokazi's Move to Chicago Fire

Mbokazi's MLS move questioned by Broos

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos slams Mbekezeli Mbokazi for missing his flight to join the national team, citing unprofessional behavior.

“I will have a chat with him after training. He is a black guy, but when he comes out of my room, he will be white (with fear)...”

Hugo Broos, the Bafana Bafana coach, has slammed Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi for missing his flight from Durban to Johannesburg. Mbokazi was supposed to join the national team in their camp ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, but he failed to show up.

The 20-year-old defender had captained Pirates to the Carling Knockout crown in Polokwane on Saturday and immediately went home to Durban, missing his flight to Johannesburg. Broos is not pleased with Mbokazi's actions, and he's given the young defender a stern warning.

Mbokazi's actions have put his place in the national team at risk, and Broos is expecting an explanation from the player. The Africa Cup of Nations is set to start next week, and Broos needs his best players to be focused and committed to the team's goals.

Coach Broos is known for his tough stance on professionalism, and he's not holding back with Mbokazi and Pirates. He's called out their excuses, expecting top-notch dedication from his players.

“I am not pleased with what he did,” Broos told reporters on Wednesday. “He let us know he missed his flight from Durban yesterday.

“It was the coach of Pirates (Abdeslam) Ouaddou who informed me. He was very angry that Mbokazi missed his flight. These were his (Ouaddou’s) words, that it was an ‘unprofessional attitude’.

“Then Pirates sent me a nonsense message. I will not tell you what it was but it was nonsense. It is worse that the club protects the player.

“This is very bad. You are a 20-year-old guy, and you have been called up to play in the AFCON and in the World Cup next year. We give you a few extra days off … (but) if someone has a good attitude they don’t want the days off and are here on Monday.”

Hugo Broos, the Bafana Bafana coach, has slammed former Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi for missing his flight from Durban to Johannesburg. Mbokazi was supposed to join the national team in their camp ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, but he failed to show up.

Bafana Bafana training at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria as we build up to the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco later this month.#BafanaPride@10bet_ZA @CastleLagerSA @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/4uOPkLi1Vo

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) December 9, 2025

Broos has already addressed the situation with the player, making it clear that such behavior won't be tolerated. The coach is expecting Mbokazi to take responsibility for his actions and make amends. 

The Africa Cup of Nations is set to start next week, and Broos needs his best players to be focused and committed to the team's goals. Mbokazi's actions have put his place in the national team at risk, and it's up to him to make things right.

“I will have a chat with him after training. He is a black guy, but when he comes out of my room, he will be white (with fear).

“I know why (he missed the flight). Suddenly he thinks he is a star. This is the attitude of a star – ‘I decide when I come’.”

Coach Broos is known for his tough stance on professionalism, and he's Coach Broos isn't holding back on Mbekezeli Mbokazi's decision to move to Chicago Fire in MLS. He's questioned the timing and whether Mbokazi is making the best move for his career. Many fans think Mbokazi has what it takes to play in one of Europe's top leagues, and Broos seems to agree.

“What is he going to do in Chicago?” Broos asked. “They are not even a top team in America. But I know what happened. A nice little woman who is his agent (Basia Michaels) and thinks she knows football is doing what many agents are doing now.

“They are saying, ‘How much (money) can I get?’ If they were clever they would know it is the AFCON and a World Cup (coming), and other teams are better.

“What will he (Mbokazi) do in a big city like that? No, I don’t think it is a good choice.”