Coach Zdarvko’s colourful love life

BY CATE MUKEI AND NYAMBEGA GISESA

thenairobian@standardmedia.co.ke

The coach of Kenya’s most popular football club is facing accusations from a section of his players, who allege he has snatched their girlfriends. The personal life of charismatic Croat Zdravko Logarusic has come under scrutiny as the city club fights to win the Kenya Premier League after coming in second last season.

“Most of us now leave our girlfriends at home when going for training,” said one of the disgruntled players, who sought anonymity. He also accused the celebrated coach of intimidating footballers in front of their girlfriends.

Allegations of the Croat’s colourful love life have also touched on the national volleyball team where it is said there has been tension between several players supposedly linked to him. The team’s management is said to have early this year called a meeting to resolve the personal disputes that threatened to tear the squad apart.

“Ladies love him. Maybe it is because he is a mzungu and he treats them well,” a top volleyball player told The Nairobian.

It is, however, not clear whether or not Croat plays along to the female attention. What is clear is that media personalities, tops models and dozens of female fans of the mighty Gor Mahia fans appear to be vying for the man’s attention. The coach is also usually seen in various nightspots.

There are women, who are so fixated with Zdarvko that they don branded T-shirts, pants and brassieres with his name. Take for instance top model Deliah Ipupa, who recently uploaded photos of her T-shirt branded ‘Zdarvko’, and instantly got a reply from the man himself: “What a nice name on your back!”

Zdarvko does not speak English fluently, but is known for temper on the dug out. However, to women he seems to be so mesmerisingly charismatic.

The Gor coach is perhaps the best paid locally. Sources within the club say that in January this year he was given an 80 per cent pay rise, taking his monthly salary to Sh500,000. He also stays in a plush three-bedroom apartment in Kilimani.

However, while the ladies love him, some of the players, who talked to The Nairobian are not entranced by his charm.

 “He has created a barrier and feels like a supreme being,” said one apparently frustrated player.

Some men have also not taken kindly to women posting photos they have taken with the coach on social media.

Recently, when a Facebook user identified as Tumme Mum uploaded such a photo, a man identified as Jaramba wa Githinji commented, “The Caucasian tribesman is a serious threat. Not to be taken lightly.” The man went on to say, “It’s like watching someone eat your lunch.”

One woman, a university student who claims to have dated a Gor Mahia footballer, and also ‘had a thing’ with the coach, said she was promised milk and honey but never got to see much.

On his website, the coach says he has worked as a coach on four continents — Europe, Australia, USA and Africa — with 20 years of coaching experience. He is said to be married with two children.

Our calls to his phone number and our e-mailed questions were unanswered. He was said to have travelled to Croatia and was expected back in Kenya before the June 15-16 weekend.

However, Gor Mahia secretary general George Bwana dismissed the claims and said the coach’s private life should be out of bounds.

“It’s a non-issue to the club. If people snatch each other’s girlfriends, that is a private matter that has nothing to do with us,” Bwana said.