Jolly Logarusic leads Zimbabwe to AFCON

When Zimbabwe beat Botswana 1-0 yesterday in the Africa Cup of Nation qualifier to book their spot in the 2022 edition of the tournament, it is one man all familiar with the Kenyan football scene that spearheaded that charge; Zdravko ‘Loga’ Logarusic.

In helping the warriors qualify for the continental tournament scheduled to take place next year, the Croatian tactitian became the first foreign coach to lead Zimbabwe to the AFCON finals. That was also Logarusic’s first victory since being appointed back in January last year.

It is also worth noting that Loga defeated former Harambee Stars head coach, Adel Amrouche, on the Botswana’s touchline.

Perfect Chikwende’s goal in the 14th minute was all Zimbabwe needed to stay in second place on an unassailable eight points in group H. The result left hosts Botswana, who are in third, and Zambia in fourth with an insurmountable four points with only one match left to be played. The 2022 edition will now be the third successive AFCON appearance for Zimbabwe.

Loga is fondly remembered in the Kenyan scene for providing a Midas touch to Gor Mahia at a time when the club needed it the most. In his first season in charge at the green army, the Croat led Gor Mahia to a sixth place finish after lifting them from the bottom three places.

The Croat is famously remembered for losing his cool on the final day of the season when his Gor Mahia side was denied the title after a frustrating 1-1 draw to Thika United. The tactician then returned to the country in 2015, after parting ways with Gor, and joined sworn rivals AFC Leopards where he did not last long.