ZIMBABWE Warriors coach Zdravko Logarusic joined the squad for the Cosafa Cup tournament in Port Elizabeth after being granted a Southern African visa earlier today (Tuesday).
The Croat was turned away at the Oliver Tambo International Airport upon arrival on Monday (yesterday) as he did not possess the requisite travel papers, an oversight on the part of the national football association Zifa, who relied on the information of a local travel agent.
The travel agent in question, Seaview Travel, accepted responsibility and committed themselves to ensure that Logarusic’s journey to South Africa becomes a reality.
Zifa spokesperson Xolisani Gwesela confirmed the positive developments.
“Zifa would like to inform the football fraternity and the nation at large that the Warriors coach…has been granted a visa to travel to Port Elizabeth, South Africa for the 2021 Cosafa Cup,” said Gwesela.
“The coach will depart from Harare today (Tuesday). We thank all relevant stakeholders for the great cooperation.”
Meanwhile, the Warriors trained today at Old Grey stadium in Port Elizabeth under assistant coach Tonderai Ndiraya.
“The senior men’s team will play against Mozambique tomorrow (Wednesday) in their first match of the 2021 Cosafa Cup,” added Gwesela.
“The match will kick off at noon at Isaac Wolfson Stadium in Port Elizabeth. We wish the Warriors all the best, and we remain optimistic that they will produce a positive result.”