LOGARUSIC TENURE HANGS IN BALANCE

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 It has been noted that the EFA has withdrawn his car benefit; however, a similar vehicle was seen en route to his residence yesterday.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.

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