Minister Gayton McKenzie Criticises Bafana Bafana Coach Hugo Broos Over AFCON Comments

Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has expressed strong disapproval of Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos following his remarks about the perceived lack of an “AFCON vibe” in Morocco.

McKenzie spoke at O.R. Tambo International Airport as the national team returned home after their Round of 16 exit at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Minister described Broos’ comments as inappropriate and unfair to the host nation.

“I was very annoyed with the coach of Bafana Bafana, and I’m going to be straight with you. I was highly annoyed,” McKenzie said. “You don’t do that. You don’t go into a person’s country and insult them in their own country. Nobody should do that. It is not collegial. It is wrong.”

He questioned the basis of Broos’ assessment, noting that the Belgian coach’s experience was largely confined to hotel environments, while the public atmosphere across Morocco showed a different reality. “He’s in the hotel. How does he see vibes outside? We were on the streets. We saw the vibes,” McKenzie added.

The Minister also issued an apology to Morocco on behalf of South Africa, emphasising the hospitality shown to teams and supporters. “So it was very wrong, and I want to apologise to the Moroccans on behalf of his utterances. You don’t do that. You don’t insult people in front of the whole world that has welcomed us with such open arms,” he said.

McKenzie praised Morocco’s organisation of the tournament, describing it as a benchmark for future Africa Cup of Nations editions. “The Moroccans have done a sterling job, and it is the best African Cup of Nations I have ever seen,” he stated.

The Minister’s comments highlight the importance of diplomatic conduct by national team officials, particularly during international tournaments where respect for host nations is expected.