Zim Coach Logarusic Fails To Enter SA

Sports Reporter

ZIMBABWE coach Zdravko Logarusic has failed to enter South Africa over a visa boob, while assistant coach Lloyd Chitembwe is also barred from visiting the country.

ZIFA confirmed the developments on Monday saying they had been assured the coach’s papers were in order while “Chitembwe was never penciled to travel to South Africa”.

“This is despite the fact that we confirmed with visa and travel agencies in Zimbabwe prior to departure and we were assured that as long as he (Logarusic) possessed a valid Zimbabwean worker’s permit, he would be allowed entry in South Africa,” Zifa said.

“We were then dismayed upon arrival when we were told by Immigration officials that only service and diplomatic holders from Croatia were exempt from South African visa requirements.”

The developments mean assistant coach Tonderai Ndiraya will be in charge until Logarusic is granted a visa.

“This was not anticipated by the Association and the travel agent has availed a letter of apology after this debacle. The Agent has also agreed to reimburse expenses resulting from this anomaly.

“The Association is now saddled with ensuring that the coach gets a visa and proceeds and joins the team in Port Elizabeth in the shortest time possible.”

Zimbabwe’s Warriors face Mozambique in their first group match on Thursday. Senegal and Namibia complete that group.