If there is a coach that Gor Mahia will cherish in their hearts and memories for years to come, it is undoubtedly Zdravko Logarusic, affectionately known as “Loga” among the passionate K’Ogalo supporters. Hailing from Croatia, Loga’s tenure at the helm of the club marked a golden era, establishing him as arguably the best coach in the club’s storied history, despite his fiery temperament and moments of contentious behaviour.
Since Loga’s departure in 2013, Gor Mahia has silently acknowledged a palpable void in their ranks, an emptiness that no other coach has managed to fill. It’s clear why Loga is often regarded as the finest tactician Gor Mahia has ever attracted, yet ultimately failed to keep.
In the tumultuous year of 2012, Gor Mahia was grappling with struggles and setbacks, burdened by a series of harsh defeats and a revolving door of coaches. It was a season where the club seemed to be picking coaches as carelessly as one would choose clothes at Gikomba Market.
Anaba Awono, who had stepped in following the departure of Zedekiah ‘Ziko’ Otino, was unceremoniously chased away by irate fans in Naivasha after a demoralizing loss to Karuturi FC. Throughout that period, the team endured relentless defeats, drawing the ire of their loyal fans, who lamented how their beloved club had fallen so low.
Then came Loga, a Croatian tactician who brought hope and a breath of fresh air to the beleaguered team. With a determination that inspired players and fans alike, he led Gor Mahia on the brink of a league title, a fate that would be decided in the final match of the season.
Upon taking charge, Loga wasted no time in reshaping the squad. He meticulously trimmed the roster from over 30 players to a lean, determined army of 25, ruthlessly discarding those he deemed “rotten potatoes” or incapable of the dual demands of thinking and running during matches. His first match with Gor Mahia ended in a gritty 1-1 draw against Mathare United, followed by a tough loss to Oserian FC.
However, these initial results provided him the invaluable opportunity to observe and assess his players, igniting a transformation within the team that saw them embark on an astonishing 18-match unbeaten streak. They came perilously close to winning the league title, ultimately finishing just a point shy.
Captain Jerim Onyango fondly recounted the excruciating moment when the championship slipped from their grasp, marking one of the gloomiest chapters in the club’s rich history.
Under Loga’s guidance, Gor Mahia rediscovered their lost potential, learning from the mistakes of the past. In 2013, after an agonizing 18-year wait, they finally clinched the league title, a triumph that signalled a new dawn for the club. However, Loga himself did not witness this glorious moment, as he departed the club early in 2013 due to disagreements with management.
His departure was marked by a flurry of demands that the club deemed unreasonable. He sought a salary increase, capitalizing on a new sponsorship deal, and highlighted his impressive record of 20 victories against just five losses in just 14 months.
The club’s management viewed this move as pure avarice, especially since he had spent most of his time there working without a formal contract. Despite his allegations that some executive committee members were plotting against him, management countered that he should not make new demands after having worked comfortably without a contract for an extended period.
Throughout his tenure, Loga was often embroiled in controversies that only added to his complex legacy. One notable incident occurred when he withdrew attacking midfielder Ramah Salim from training for the national U-23 team.
Loga felt disrespected by the team officials regarding the release of players. Salim, who was nursing a slight injury at the time, had been granted time off to attend a relative’s funeral and was on his way to the club’s Nyayo Stadium offices when he began to feel the pressure of potential training commitments from coach James Nandwa.
In January 2012, Gor Mahia signed Brazilian player Giovanni Rodriguez amidst much fanfare, yet the signing quickly turned contentious. Loga described Rodriguez as someone who lacked both the ability to run and the capacity to think on the pitch. The Brazilian’s time at Gor Mahia ended before it even began, as he departed for home without having played a single competitive match for the club, later pursuing a wrongful dismissal case against Gor Mahia with FIFA.
As the clock ticked down to a critical Top 8 clash against Tusker FC, Logarusic announced his resignation, citing a need to step away from the pressures of football and take some time to recharge. “I have to go since I need time to relax and stay away from football,” he remarked, preparing for his return flight to Croatia, leaving fans and players alike uncertain about his plans for the future.
While the club’s secretary, George Bwana, disputed Loga’s motives, it was too late; the Croatian had left for home to be with his family, leaving behind a legacy that would be hard to match.
He will be remembered as one of the pivotal figures who instilled hope, resilience, and unwavering determination in the hearts of K’Ogalo’s supporters during the title race.
By the time of his departure on May 31, 2013, Gor Mahia have lost only two titles, a testament to the impact he had on the club.
