Agent fires back at Hugo Broos for MLS transfer remarks

Broos publicly criticised QT Sports director Basia Michaels for orchestrating Mbokazi’s transfer to MLS side Chicago Fire, insisting the league was not of a high enough standard and warning that the young defender would struggle “alone in a big city”.

Michaels has now responded, saying the coach’s remarks were out of line and unfair.

"For me, I can tell you that there's no question about the fact that it was sexist. I'm not going to speak on behalf of Mbokazi, that he can do on his own. Yes, we had a conversation before Mbokazi signed and he is confident that his playing ability will still keep him in the squad.

"Hugo Broos can make his decisions the way he wants to. It doesn't matter how well Mbokazi plays in the next four months because Broos has made his dislike for the league known, which I think is very sad."

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The agent adds that Broos’ success as the national team coach gives him no right to say whatever he wants.

"I'm saddened by Hugo's comments and yes I didn't note any kind of apology that came from him. Hugo has done so well for us as a country, but that does not allow him to be disrespectful towards me, Mbokazi, or even Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs."

Michaels refuted claims made by Broos that he’d been led to believe Mbokazi would play for Chicago Fire’s reserve team.

She revealed that Mbokazi did get an offer to Europe following the AFCON last month, but it was not even worth considering.

"Yes Mbokazi deserves to play in Europe there's no question about it. Were there offers before the AFCON? Yes. Were the offers of fair value? Definitely not. Personally, I don't think the offers were fair.

"After AFCON, I got a phone call for a loan deal which didn't make sense, and the deal was already done with Chicago."