Times Of Swaziland: LOGARUSIC  TENURE HANGS  IN BALANCE

LOGARUSIC  TENURE HANGS  IN BALANCE
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Ntombikayise Gwebu on 18/11/2024 07:50:00


EZULWINI – Sihlangu Head Coach Zdravko Logarusic’s tenure appears to be
hanging by a thread.
Just under 100 days into his appointment, which began on August 31, 2024, the
Croatian tactician is already grappling with significant challenges that have
led to his current absence from the team. Should he be found guilty of breaching
his contract with the Eswatini Football Association (EFA), he stands to leave
without compensation. Recent reports indicate that Logarusic has requested some
space from everyone involved. It has been noted that the EFA has withdrawn his
car benefit; however, a similar vehicle was seen en route to his residence
yesterday. The EFA is scheduled to meet today at Sigwaca House, where
Logarusic’s fate is expected to be on the agenda.
The coach did not accompany Sihlangu to Mbombela, South Africa, for their
‘dead rubber’ Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Guinea-Bissau.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw, adding another point to Eswatini’s tally,
although they remain at the bottom of Group I standings. With one game left to
play, Sihlangu have already been eliminated from the race for the 2025 AFCON
finals and will face Mali tomorrow at Stade du 26 Mars, in Bamako.
Contract
Reports suggest that Logarusic, who signed a one-year contract, is at odds with
the EFA over a daily camp allowance of just US$60 (approximately E1 094 based on
yesterday’s exchange rate), a figure deemed excessive by some within the
association, particularly given his substantial monthly salary of E60 000.
Furthermore, it is alleged that the Croatian manager requested an additional E60
000 ahead of Sihlangu Mali match. He reportedly urged the EFA to allow an 18-man
squad to travel alongside seven officials, in order to raise his funds.
EFA Marketing and Communications Officer, Muzi ‘Rhoo’ Radebe stated that he
was unaware of these allegations at the time of this report’s compilation.
“I am currently not aware of these allegations,” he remarked.
In contrast, EFA President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane could not be reached for
comment, as attempts to call him were unsuccessful. This publication sought to
verify the claims.
It is noteworthy that EFA has spent over a million to support their delegation
in Mali. As of the time of this report, an injury-free squad and their officials
had successfully arrived in Mali, with the team currently being led by Assistant
Coach Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane. Despite the turmoil, it is important to
acknowledge that Logarusic’s coaching career with the national team has not
been entirely devoid of success. He led Sihlangu to a notable victory against
Zimbabwe in the two-legged CAF African Nations Championships (CHAN) qualifier.
In a notable incident back in 2015, Logarusic left AFC Leopards of the Kenyan
Premier League after claiming he was forced to return to Croatia due to eviction
from his apartment, with no one paying his rent. He notified the club of his
resignation via a text message. Efforts to clarify some of the allegations with
Logarusic yesterday were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to a WhatsApp call.
Additionally, attempts to visit his residence were thwarted, as he did not
answer a call at the remote-operated gate.