Warriors head coach denied entry into SA

By Trevor Makonyonga

Warriors head coach, Zdravko Logarusic was today barred from entering South Africa where he had traveled with the team for COSAFA.

In a statement, Zimbabwe Football Association communications manager, Xolisani Gwesela said Logarusic did not have a valid VISA.

“The Association would however like to inform the nation that the head coach Zdravko Logarusic has been denied entry upon arrival at Oliver Tambo international Airport on the basis of him not holding a valid visa for the host country, 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 he possessed a valid Zimbabwean workers permit, he would be allowed entry in South Africa. We were then dismayed upon arrival when we were told by Immigration officials that that only service and diplomatic holders from Croatia were exempt from South African visa requirements. This was not been 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. Unfortunately, it is very clear that valuable training time has been lost as a result of this gaffe. The Association is now saddled with ensuring that the coach get a visa and proceed and join the team in Port Elizabeth in the shortest time possible.”

ZIFA confirmed the team’s arrival and safety in Port Elizabeth and apologised for the gaffe.

“The Warriors left this Monday morning for Port Elizabeth, South Africa via Johannesburg for the upcoming Cosafa Cup. The team arrived safely in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. We apologise to the nation for the inconvenience, however the team remains in high spirits and ready to compete to everyone’s best abilities. We would like to assure the nation that the Association is making frantic efforts to remedy the situation.”

Assistant Coach, Tonderai Ndiraya, will take charge of the team in the absence of Loga and Lloyd Chitembwe who ZIFA said “was never pencilled to travel to South Africa.”