The sound of the final whistle against Cameroon officially confirmed Sihlangu’s premature exit from the 2026 International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) World Cup Qualifiers.
The 0-3 loss to the ‘Indomitable Lions’ of Cameroon was, for many, a predictable conclusion to a lacklustre campaign. Yet, it was not the result itself that sent shockwaves through the nation, but rather the post-match comments from the very man tasked with leading our national pride, Coach Zdravko Logarusic. His statement, a thinly veiled swipe at his players’ commitment, has ignited a firestorm of debate, forcing us all to confront a critical question: Should the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) renew the contract of a coach who so brazenly questions the professionalism and sacrifice of the very men he is paid to lead?
Logarusic’s comments, which painted his players as ‘part-time’ soldiers, police officers and teachers, were not just tactless; they were a profound misreading of the unique footballing ecosystem in our country.
These men, far from being part-time in their commitment, are a testimony to the purest form of dedication. They are called to serve their nation, to leave their professional lives behind and to take to the field with little more than national pride and the love of the game in their hearts.
They do not earn the exorbitant salaries of their professional counterparts in more developed leagues. Instead, as the data on player wages clearly shows, they are among the lowest earners in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, with many players earning monthly salaries that are a fraction of what their South African neighbours take home in a month. To then have their sacrifices belittled by a man who has himself been criticised for ‘part-time’ commitment to his role is an act of breathtaking hypocrisy. The coach’s own history of unexplained absences, including his controversial ‘holiday’ to Saudi Arabia while still contracted to the EFA, stands in stark contrast to the unwavering commitment of our local players.
The true mark of a coach’s professionalism is not in their ability to secure a win against a far superior opponent. It is in their capacity to inspire, protect and elevate their team, even in the face of defeat. Logarusic’s statement, instead of taking ownership for the team’s dismal performance, was a masterclass in deflection.
It was an attempt to shift the blame from his own tactical shortcomings and poor results onto the backs of his players, implying that their loss was a foregone conclusion due to a lack of talent and commitment. This narrative is a dangerous one. It undermines the morale of the players, alienates the very football fans who support the team and most importantly, disrespects the immense personal sacrifice made by each player who answers the call to represent the nation.
For a coach to publicly question the very foundation of his team’s character is unacceptable in any professional sporting environment. It signals a complete breakdown of the trust and unity that are essential for success. As Logarusic rightly pointed out, Sihlangu’s opposition, Cameroon, is an African giant. But was this an insurmountable challenge? A skilled and confident coach would not have seen this as an excuse, but as an opportunity for his team to grow, to learn and to show resilience. Instead, Logarusic’s remarks suggest a defeatist mentality, one that justifies failure rather than striving for improvement.
This brings us to the crux of the matter: Should the EFA renew the coach’s contract? The answer, given the evidence of his performance and recent behaviour, is a resounding no. The EFA must stand firm and not reward a coach who, in his own words and actions, has shown a fundamental disrespect for the local talent pool. Beyond his public criticism, his track record on the field has been poor, marked by a string of consecutive defeats and a failure to progress in key tournaments. Furthermore, his previous mysterious ‘vacations’ and alleged flirtations with other teams signal a lack of long-term commitment to the Sihlangu project. The EFA president’s recent comments about a ‘void’ that allows foreign coaches to escape accountability confirm that even the association itself recognises the problem.
This is a moment for the EFA to be decisive and to choose a new path forward. The next coach of Sihlangu must be someone who understands the local context, respects the players’ commitment and is willing to invest their time and energy fully in the development of our national team. It is time to find a leader who can build on the strengths of our players, not one who chooses to tear them down in public.
The future of Eswatini football depends on it. The final whistle has been blown and it is clear that Logarusic’s time with Sihlangu has now come to an end.
Trade Fair Cup: New kings on the block
The final whistle blew on the Trade Fair Cup, and with it, the familiar landscape of Eswatini football shifted.
The coronation of Nsingizini Hotspurs as champions, following their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Green Mamba in the decider, was not just another trophy presentation—it was a seismic event that signalled a new era. This tournament, the traditional curtain-raiser, has shown us that the future is not just bright; it is already here and it is vibrant with possibility.
For years, the narrative of Eswatini football was a trilogy: Mbabane Swallows, Mbabane Highlanders and Manzini Wanderers. These ‘big three’ dominated headlines, dictated fan loyalties and seemingly held a monopoly on success. But this year’s Trade Fair Cup offered a refreshing and necessary rewrite. The early elimination of these so-called giants sent a clear message: The throne is vacant and a new generation of contenders is ready to seize it.
There were whispers of concern, of course. Would the fans show up with their traditional powerhouses out of the running? The answer, emphatically, was yes. The stands were not empty; they were buzzing with a new kind of energy. This is not a temporary trend; it is the ‘new normal’. Eswatini fans are demonstrating a maturity that deserves praise. They have realised that football is not just about a handful of famous names; it is about the passion, the unpredictable drama and the underdog stories that make the sport so compelling.
They have embraced the rise of the minnows, cheering on fresh faces and new rivalries. This shift in allegiance is perhaps the most significant victory of all.
While Nsingizini Hotspurs have rightfully claimed the spotlight, the tournament’s semi-finalists, Manzini Sea Birds and Ubombo Sugar FC, also deserve a special mention for their remarkable runs. Ubombo Sugar’s performance, in particular, feels like a case study in smart, strategic development. Their recent re-branding and a deliberate push towards professionalisation are clearly paying dividends. Without a squad of established stars, they relied on a team of hungry, disciplined players eager to prove their worth. This approach, coupled with Coach Gcina Dlamini’s proven ability to transform lesser-known talents into future stars, is a winning formula. It is a blueprint for other clubs to follow, proving that success is not bought; it is built through hard work and a clear vision.
The Trade Fair Cup was more than a warm-up; it was a statement. It proved that competition is no longer confined to a select few. The unexpected upsets, the passionate crowds and the emergence of new powerhouses have set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating 2025/26 season. The old guard is on notice and the fresh blood is ready to spill.
For the first time in a long time, the Eswatini football league feels genuinely open and that can only be a good thing for the sport we all love.
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