NAIROBI, Kenya, February 19 – Newly appointed AFC Leopards head coach, Zdravko Logarusic arrived in the country Thursday to take charge at the 13-time Kenyan Premier League champions.
The Croatian who returns to Kenyan football after three years; was welcomed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by club chairman Allan Kasavuli and assistant secretary general, Asava Kadima.
Logarusic who led arch rivals Gor Mahia to the 2012 GOtv Shield and a second finish in the Kenyan Premier League the same season, left to link up with his new charges in Mumias ahead of the 2015 season scheduled to kick off this weekend.
“Yes he is in the country and will be unveiled to the players in Mumias. He is the best coach that we could appoint since he knows the players and Kenyan football,” Kadima confirmed to Capital Sport.
Under Logarusic’s tenure that ended mid season in 2013 over a pay dispute, Gor emerged as the most difficult side to beat whilst playing eye catching football and his return is bound to stoke the age old rivalry between the two local giants and add spice to the forthcoming campaign.
The 53-year-old UEFA pro licence has been tasked to revive Leopards glory after they had a poor season last year where they finished trophy less.
The no nonsense coach who is expected to bring discipline in the team will find news players in Martin Kiiza (Tusker), Emmanuel Ngama (on loan, Uganda Revenue Authority), Karim Ndugwa (SV Villa, Uganda), Fredrick Ndaaka (Police, Uganda), Clement Mata, Diallo Lamine (Al-Swafaa), Chris Gakuo (County Sportiff) and Ali Kesi (Upper Hill High School) who were singed this season.
Logarusic joins Ingwe from Tanzanian giants Simba SC where he was sacked after losing 3-0 to Zambian side Zesco United.
Leopards are expected to open their campaign against Chemelil Sugar on Sunday at Nakuru’s Afraha Stadium.
