The controversy sparked by comments from Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos regarding the accommodation conditions and organization of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has taken a major turn. South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Gayton McKenzie, has publicly contradicted his own coach, delivering a strong endorsement of the Kingdom and the exceptional quality of the tournament.
Throughout the South African national team’s stay, Hugo Broos repeatedly voiced criticism, pointing to alleged logistical issues, what he described as inadequate reception conditions, and an organization he deemed flawed. These remarks were widely circulated and triggered confusion and indignation, both in Morocco and among many observers of African football.
Speaking on South African broadcaster SABC News, Minister Gayton McKenzie did not mince his words. “For me, Morocco has been the best. The Moroccans have managed to organize the best Africa Cup of Nations in history, I can guarantee you that,” he stated unequivocally. Praising the high-quality infrastructure, he added: “The stadiums, everything was brilliant, arranged in the best possible way. The Moroccans have done an excellent job and I am proud of Morocco. They have proven to the world that Africa is ready to host the biggest events on the planet.”
Beyond the praise, the South African minister openly expressed his discomfort with the media statements made by his national team coach. “I was uncomfortable with the comments made by the Bafana Bafana coach. I will be direct with you: I did not appreciate his remarks. You cannot go to a country and insult it during a press conference, in its own country. No one should do that,” he stressed.
Gayton McKenzie also dismissed the substance of Hugo Broos’ criticism, asserting that the reality on the ground told a very different story. “What he said is not true. We were out in the streets, we felt the AFCON vibe, the great atmosphere. So what he said was false,” he insisted, before offering official apologies to the Kingdom: “I apologize to Morocco for these excesses. You cannot insult people in front of the whole world when they welcomed you with open arms. The Moroccans have done an excellent job, and it is the best Africa Cup of Nations of my life.”
This strong stance by the South African sports minister amounts to a clear repudiation of Hugo Broos’ remarks and further reinforces Morocco’s image, widely praised by numerous delegations, media outlets, and institutions for its organization of AFCON 2025. Above all, it serves as a reminder that beyond sporting results, respect for the host country and recognition of its efforts remain fundamental values of African football.
Abderrazzak Boussaid / Le7tv