)
Croatian tactician Zdravko Logarusic pulls another disappearing act in Eswatini sparking controversy over unpaid allowances and national team duties.
Soap opera is a mild way to describe the drama surrounding Croatian tactician Zdravko Logarusic infamous for his unexpected disappearances and spats over money.
Lugarusic, known for dramatic exits during his stint at AFC Leopards, vanished into thin air while coaching the Eswatini national team, only to resurface 11 days later under mysterious circumstances.
)
16:43 - 03.12.2024
Guinea Stadium Stampede: Eyewitness recounts how political influence added fuel to the fire
A coach has shared a harrowing account of chaos and tragedy during a football match that ended in disaster.
The drama unfolded in mid-November when Logarusic went AWOL ahead of Eswatini’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Guinea-Bissau.
The match, held at Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga, South Africa, was a ‘home’ game for Eswatini, but their head coach was nowhere to be seen during the team’s departure.
)
15:40 - 03.12.2024
58 days to CHAN: Can Kenya beat the clock or face another national embarrassment?
Kenya faces a tight 28-day deadline to finalize CHAN 2024 preparations amid mounting challenges and CAF inspectors' concerns.
With the Eswatini Football Association (EFA) clueless about his whereabouts, speculation swirled that he was locked in a standoff over unpaid allowances.
“He’s been holding back his services,” an unnamed source whispered, as the saga unfolded in Eswatini’s media.
The situation became even murkier when reports alleged that the coach was demanding more money—specifically an additional Ksh 480,000 (E60,000) ahead of Eswatini’s game against Mali.
The EFA was reportedly reluctant, citing his already substantial monthly salary of Ksh 480,000 (E60,000) and a daily camp allowance of Ksh 8,800 (US$60), which some officials deemed excessive.
)
15:09 - 02.12.2024
Five-storey Nairobi property of Gor Mahia chairman set to go under the hammer amid uncertainty
Gor Mahia chairman Ambrose Rachier's prime Nairobi property faces auction, sparking speculation over financial or personal challenges.
Logarusic finally re-emerged on Sunday, November 24, at Eswatini’s Mavuso Sports Centre, much to the amusement of local football fans.
“I just came to watch the games,” he told reporters, politely declining to comment further and referring all questions to Sihlangu Manager Dumisani Sibandze.
Eswatini media noted that the coach had been spotted driving an EFA-issued Toyota Cross despite reports that the association had withdrawn his car benefit.
This is not the first time Logarusic’s financial demands have sparked controversy.
Kenyans will recall his dramatic exit from AFC Leopards in 2015, when he claimed to have been evicted from his apartment over unpaid rent.
)
14:37 - 02.12.2024
Mara Sugar vs Gor Mahia: Did referees cross the line by accepting Raila Odinga’s cash reward?
Raila Odinga has sparked debate by gifting Sh1.1 million to Gor Mahia, Mara Sugar FC and referees during KPL match.
Back then, he informed the club of his resignation via text message before boarding a plane back to Croatia.
His brief tenure at Kenya Police FC in 2023 also ended without much fanfare, though not as theatrically.
The Eswatini escapade, however, takes the cake.
During his absence, assistant coach Sifiso ‘Nuro’ Ntibane led the team to a respectable 1-1 draw against Guinea-Bissau, albeit in a dead-rubber match as Eswatini had already been eliminated from the race for the 2025 AFCON finals.
The team is now preparing for a back-to-back African Nations Championships (CHAN) qualifier against Madagascar under Ntibane’s leadership.
EFA officials remain tight-lipped about Logarusic’s future. “I am currently not aware of these allegations,” said EFA Marketing and Communications Officer Muzi ‘Rhoo’ Radebe when asked about the rumored standoff over allowances as per Times of Eswatini.
Meanwhile, EFA President Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane has been unreachable for comment. However, sources indicate that a meeting at Sigwaca House could determine the fate of the Croatian coach.
)
18:21 - 30.11.2024
Doris Petra: Grounds that cleared her path to December 7 elections after High Court ruling in Naivasha
Doris Petra and Nick Mwendwa have secured a major win as the High Court cleared their path to December 7 elections.
For many in Kenya, this latest episode feels like déjà vu.
“This is classic Logarusic,” quipped a Gor Mahia fan Edwin Otieno on social media.
“We saw this coming years ago. He loves drama more than trophies!”
Indeed, while his coaching prowess is not entirely in question—he recently led Eswatini to a historic victory against Zimbabwe in a CHAN qualifier—his knack for theatrics often overshadows his achievements.
Local reports in Eswatini suggest Logarusic has requested “space” from everyone involved, a curious move for someone tasked with leading a national team.
Yet, even amid the chaos, he managed to attend an MTN Premier League double-header at Mavuso Sports Centre, sharing the stands with Sihlangu’s manager as he “assessed” players for upcoming matches.
The drama does not stop there as eyewitnesses claim that a Toyota Cross similar to the one withdrawn by the EFA was seen heading to his residence the day before his reappearance.
)
12:11 - 19.11.2024
Cry for help as ailing former AFC Leopards coach struggles against disease and financial neglect
Ailing former AFC Leopards coach Jan Koops faces severe health challenges while struggling with unpaid dues from the football club.
Whether this marks a truce between the coach and the association or simply another twist in the Logarusic saga remains unclear.
Back in Eswatini, fans are divided. While some believe his antics are detrimental to the team’s morale, others point out his undeniable impact, citing the Zimbabwe win as evidence of his tactical acumen.
For Kenyan football enthusiasts, however, this is yet another chapter in the Logarusic playbook—equal parts comedy and chaos.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)