MBABANE — Any prospects of former Sihlangu head coach Zdravko ‘Loga’ Logarušić returning to the Eswatini national team hot seat have been officially dashed. The Croatian gaffer has put pen to paper with Ghanaian outfit Nations FC, ruling him out of the race for the vacant Eswatini Football Association (EFA) job.
Logarušić’s move to Ghana officially ends speculation regarding a return to his former post. The well-travelled tactician was reportedly among several high-profile international candidates who had applied to reclaim the national team helm following the EFA’s recent call for applications. His previous tenure with Sihlangu, which ended in September last year, was highly turbulent and marred by off-pitch drama. Most notably, controversy erupted when Logarušić was reportedly unveiled as the head coach of a Saudi Arabian club while still actively contracted to the EFA.
According to online publication Ghana SoccerNet, Nations FC officially confirmed the appointment of the veteran manager on Monday. The club’s hierarchy has entrusted the Croatian with steering the team into a new era, with both domestic and continental targets on the horizon. Logarušić arrives at the club with an impressive football pedigree, boasting over 20 years of managing top-tier clubs and national teams across Africa, Europe and Asia. In addition to serving as the former head coach of the Sudan and Zimbabwe national teams, he is already a household name in Ghana, having previously managed heavyweights Asante Kotoko SC, King Faisal and AshantiGold SC. During his previous stints in West Africa, the Croatian earned a stellar reputation for his strict tactical discipline, commitment to youth development and ability to assemble highly competitive squads.
Nations FC officials believe the appointment signals their intent to seriously strengthen their technical department as pre-season preparations ramp up. However, Logarušić has his work cut out for him. His immediate priorities with his new squad include assessing the current playing group, implementing his signature football philosophy and preparing the squad to compete strongly in the Ghana Division One. Ultimately, his primary mandate is to secure a swift return to the Ghanaian top flight and defend the FA Cup title won by the club last season.
