Khaberni - South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie reprimanded his national team coach, Hugo Broos, on Wednesday for his comments that criticized the atmosphere of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations being held in Morocco, describing this edition as "the best ever".
McKenzie made his remarks upon welcoming the South African team delegation at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, following "Bafana Bafana"'s exit from the "AFCON" round of 16.
McKenzie said sharply in comments reported by South African media: "I was very upset with the Bafana Bafana coach, I was very angry... You should not go to someone's country and insult him in his own country... No one should do that, it's wrong".
Broos had spoken to the press before his team's match against Zimbabwe last month, stating that the "AFCON" edition organized in Morocco "lacked atmosphere".
The minister clarified: "He (Broos) stays in hotels, so how can he see the atmosphere outside? We were in the streets and saw it with our own eyes".
The minister offered a straightforward apology to the Moroccans, saying: "What was said was wrong, I would like to apologize to the Moroccans for those statements. It is not right to insult a people who welcomed you with such hospitality in front of the world's eyes".
McKenzie also praised the "AFCON" edition hosted by Morocco, saying: "Morocco was the best... I tip my hat to the Moroccans. This is the best edition of the Africa Cup of Nations ever, the stadiums... all the details were great, it proved to the world that Africa is ready to host global events".
Regarding "Bafana Bafana"'s exit from the round of 16 by the Cameroon team, McKenzie explained that his national team missed their chance to qualify at the start of the match.
He said: "We are all frustrated, but I must say Cameroon did not defeat us, we defeated ourselves. We should have finished the match in the first 15 minutes, but this is football, and that's how things happen".
