Logarušić delighted after making history in Zimbabwe

Former Gor Mahia coach Zdravko Logarušić waxed lyrical about becoming the first Zimbabwe foreign coach to deliver an African Cup of Nations (AFCON) slot to the nation. 

Logarušić sealed qualification to the 2021 AFCON on Thursday after beating Botswana 0-1 who are under the tutelage of former Harambee Stars coach Adel Amrouche.

The lone goal came in the 15th minute from Perfect Chikwende to send them to the continental tourney for the fifth time after doing so in 2004, 2006, 2017 and 2019.

The Croatian took to Facebook to revel in the historic achievement with all the previous qualifications coming under local coaches.

The win against Botswana stopped the rot as they ended their six-game winless streak after exiting the African Nations Championship after losing all their games.

The 55-year-old was appointed by the Zimbabwean Football Association back in January 2020 and leads the side to their third consecutive AFCON tournament.

Speaking in a press conference on Sunday, Logarušić noted that he will assess a number of elements in a player before naming his squad to the AFCON. 

"I will first judge the player's character, passion for the country and then consider how good he is as a player. I want players with commitment and passion to play for Zimbabwe. That is how we build a team," said the coach.

Logarušić will be looking to become the first-ever coach in Zimbabwe’s history to guide the side to the knockout-out phases of the tournament in 2022.

Zimbabwe still have a game against Zambia in their final Group H match on Monday.