LESS THAN 100 DAYS IN OFFICE: EFA, COACH AT LOGA-HEADS

MBABANE - In a surprising turn of events, Zdravko Logarusic, the Head Coach of Sihlangu, has distanced himself from team activities.

This has sparking a wave of speculation and concern within the Eswatini football community. Just under 100 days into his tenure, the Croatian tactician, who was unveiled on August 31, 2024, is already facing significant challenges that have led to his current absence. Steve Horton,  the Vice President of the Eswatini Football Association (EFA), confirmed in an interview that Logarusic’s decision to step away was not taken lightly. He did not travel with Sihlangu to Mbombela, South Africa, ahead of this afternoon’s ‘dead rubber’ Africa Cup of Nations (Qualifier) against Guinea-Bissau. Sihlangu are already out of the race to the 2025 AFCON finals, with two games to spare.

Demands.

“He has decided to absent himself, and I told him to do so following his demands,” Horton stated, without elaborating on the nature of those demands. The lack of detailed communication has left many fans and analysts questioning the stability of the national team ahead of critical AFCON qualifying matches against Guinea-Bissau and Mali. Reports suggest that Logarusic, who signed a two-year with EFA, is at loggerheads with the EFA over a daily camp allowance of just US$60 (which is about E1 094 in yesterday’s exchange rate), a figure that some within the association deem excessive given his substantial salary of E60 000 per month. Horton, however, was tight-lipped on the matter, insisting that the coach is already receiving everything outlined in his contractual agreement. “I cannot talk much about these reports. All I know is that he is getting everything as per his contractual agreement.

Priorities

“The national team is bigger than him and both of us,” he remarked, hinting at a broader issue of priorities within the camp.  The controversy surrounding Logarusic’s absence comes at a time when Sihlangu team are gearing up for their last two AFCON Qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau and Mali, respectively. They will be played between today and Tuesday. Horton confirmed that Logarusic will not be available for either of the upcoming fixtures, raising further alarm bells among supporters. “He won’t be available for both games,” Horton stated, a revelation that leaves a gaping hole in the team’s preparations. The team will be led by Assistant Coach Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane.

Despite the turmoil, it is worth noting that Logarusic’s coaching career with the national team has not been entirely devoid of success. He successfully led the Sihlangu to a notable victory against Zimbabwe in the two-legged CAF African Nations Championships (CHAN) qualifier.  Horton acknowledged that he is yet to report to the executive regarding the matter.
“After I formally report to the executive, we will know what happens going forward,” he assured. Notably, back in 2015; Logarusic left AFC Leopards of the Kenyan Premier League after claiming he was forced to return to Croatia because he was evicted from his apartment and no one was paying his rent. He notified the club of his resignation via a text message. Attempts to get from him yesterday were fruitless, as messages sent to his phone were not replied to (blue ticks).

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