SOCCER – The senior national team’s disappointing run in the World Cup qualifiers has laid bare the low standards Sihlangu has reached in recent years.
Head coach Zdravko ‘Loga’ Logarušić has now overseen 14 internationals across all official competitions and friendlies. His tenure so far: 3 wins, 5 draws, and 6 defeats—a 21.4% win rate.
In 2024, he managed nine games (three wins, two draws, four defeats) and in 2025 so far, five matches (no wins, three draws, two defeats). This includes defeats away to Cameroon (0-3) and Libya (0-2) in World Cup qualifiers, as well as COSAFA Cup matches in Mangaung, South Africa, which ended level or narrowly in defeat.
Comparison with Dominic Kunene
Logarušić’s record is set against that of predecessor Dominic Kunene, who led Sihlangu from late 2020 through 2024.
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Kunene’s record: 42 matches – 12 wins, 13 draws, 17 losses (28.6% win rate).
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His fixtures included AFCON 2021–23 qualifiers, World Cup qualifiers, two COSAFA campaigns, CHAN ties, and friendlies.
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His tenure produced landmark wins, including a 1-0 victory over Zambia (July 10, 2021, COSAFA Cup) and a 3-0 win over Mauritius (2022 COSAFA group stage).
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Kunene also led Sihlangu to back-to-back AFCON preliminary wins over Somalia (3-0 away and 2-1 home in March 2022).
By contrast, Logarušić’s biggest results are a 3-0 win over Somalia (March 20, 2024, AFCON qualifiers) and two narrow CHAN victories against Zimbabwe (1-0, November 2024) and Madagascar (1-0, December 2024).
Context and Challenges
While Kunene boasts a higher win rate, Logarušić has faced tougher assignments:
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AFCON group matches against Guinea-Bissau, Mali, and Mozambique
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World Cup qualifiers against Cameroon and Libya
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A transitional 2025 COSAFA campaign with tight margins rather than heavy defeats
Observers note that turning frequent draws into wins will be crucial if Sihlangu is to improve under Logarušić.
EFA’s Position
As reported by the Observer Sports Desk, Eswatini Football Association (EFA) president Peter ‘Samora’ Simelane reaffirmed that the Croat remains under contract.
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Logarušić signed a two-year deal in August 2024.
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Despite controversy earlier this year, when he was pictured working with another team in Saudi Arabia, the EFA and the coach have since resolved those issues.
For now, Loga’s future rests on results—whether he can steer Sihlangu from decline back toward competitiveness.
Loga vs Kunene: Coaching Records
| Coach | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zdravko ‘Loga’ Logarušić (2024–2025) | 14 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 21.4% |
| Dominic Kunene (2020–2024) | 42 | 12 | 13 | 17 | 28.6% |
