Mbekezeli Mbokazi: Bafana Bafana Star’s Agent Hits Back at Hugo Broos Over Alleged Sexist Comments

• Mbekezeli Mbokazi's agent, Basia Michaels, has broken her silence concerning the alleged sexist comment made towards her by Hugo Broos
• The Bafana Bafana head coach was accused of making a derogratory comments about the South African football agent when Mbokazi left Orlando Pirates
• The South African defender left the Premier Soccer League giants in the January transfer window for a move to the United States of America

Former Orlando Pirates defender, Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s agent, Basia Michaels, has finally hit back at the criticism levelled against her by Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos after the youngster's move to a Major League Soccer outfit in the January transfer window.

The Belgian tactician has been one of the coaches who has been singing praises of Mbokazi since his emergence in the Pirates' squad and also in the Bafana Bafana team when he made his debut, but he was not happy that the talented South African international had left the Premier Soccer League for a move to Chicago Fire.

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The former Cameroon national team coach wanted Mbokazi to move to Europe, as he believes he's good enough to play for top sides. After the move materialised, the 73-year-old aimed at the player's agent, suggesting she lacked foresight for facilitating a move to the United States rather than securing a transfer to Europe and implied that she was motivated by the financial gain.

Despite the issue leading to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Broos played Mbokazi as a starter throughout the competition as Bafana Bafana were knocked out of the competition in the Round of 16 by Cameroon.

Michaels fires back at Broos over Mbokazi

Michaels had refrained from commenting on the issue when it happened before AFCON kicked off in December 2025. She has now addressed the issue during an interview on the Behind the Boot podcast with Mazola Molefe.

She described the remarks as sexist and indicated that, in her view, Mbokazi may struggle to feature in Broos’ upcoming national team selections.

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“I won’t speak for Mbokazi — he can do that himself,” she explained, noting that discussions were held both before and after the transfer was finalised.

According to Michaels, the player remains assured that his performances will justify his inclusion in the national squad. However, she acknowledged that Broos ultimately has full authority over team selection.

She further suggested that the coach’s previously stated reservations about the MLS could make it difficult for Mbokazi to regain favour, regardless of his form.

Turning to the personal impact of the controversy, Michaels admitted she was hurt by the Belgian mentor’s public remarks and said she had not received a direct apology from him.

While Broos later issued what he described as an apology, Michaels argued that it focused largely on his own experiences rather than addressing the effect his comments had on her.

Michaels addressed concerns raised about Mbokazi's move

Michaels went on to address rumours claiming that Mbokazi had joined an MLS reserve side rather than the first team of the Chicago Fire.

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The South African football agent stated categorically that the transfer was to the first team and dismissed claims to the contrary as inaccurate.

She went on to state that the Chicago Fire head coach Gregg Berhalter had attempted to contact Broos to clarify the club’s plans for Mbokazi with the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, but admitted the meeting between both coaches is beyond her responsibilities.

Petersen on how to earn Bafana call-up

Briefly News also reported that Brandon Petersen outlined how he can secure a place in the Bafana Bafana squad under coach Hugo Broos.

The Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper has been one of the best players in the Betway Premiership this season, and he's one of the players considered ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Source: Briefly News