SIHLANGU COACH ‘CELEBRATES’ WITH ZIM FANS AFTER VICTORY

NELSPRUIT – Sihlangu Coach Zdravko Logarusic has announced his intention to utilise the AFCON Qualifiers as a preparatory measure for the CHAN games.

The Sihlangu coach made this statement during a post-match interview at Mbombela Stadium, following his team’s 1-0 victory over Zimbabwe in the TotalEnergies African Nations Championships (CHAN) qualifiers, this past Saturday. He secured a commanding 4-0 aggregate triumph after a 3-0 win in Botswana, over a week ago. Eswatini’s forthcoming match is against Guinea-Bissau on November 15, in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers at home (Mbombela Stadium), followed by an away fixture against Mali, four days later.

ubsequently, Eswatini will shift their focus to the second preliminary round of the CHAN qualifiers, where they will face Madagascar during the week of December 20-22 and December 27-29. “We controlled the game and had a plan to attack and score goals. This marks our second victory on the road since I took charge, and we must prepare diligently for the upcoming match against Madagascar. We will leverage the AFCON qualifiers to ready ourselves for the CHAN clash against Madagascar.” 

Satisfaction

He noted that the results were favouring them, and he expressed his satisfaction. When asked about the possibility of Kwakhe Thwala returning to the national team, he remarked, “I must do what is necessary. I had to decide whether to risk losing the dressing room for one player. It was a matter of discipline. Kwakhe, like myself, is fallible; we all make mistakes, and I will still consider him for the future.”  Regarding his decision to grant Mlungisi Nxumalo an opportunity after substituting goalkeeper Xolani Gama, he explained that he aimed to prepare Nxumalo for upcoming matches and ensure he is ready should the need arise. 

The coach also clarified why some fans requested to take pictures with him after the match. He stated that he cherishes the good memories he created in Zimbabwe, but his focus is now firmly on his current team.  Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Coach Takesure Chirangwi expressed that his team performed better than in the first leg. “We demonstrated character, sound tactics and effective transitions. We did not allow them to dictate the play. We are pleased with the boys’ performance,” stated Chirangwi. 

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