BFA part ways with Jelusic

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Wednesday December 1, 2010 00:00

 

The BFA said Jelusic had decided to return to Serbia due to family commitments. The coach was hero-worshipped locally following his stint at the Zebras. He was redeployed to the junior development post after he decided to step down as national team coach.

During his time in charge of the Zebras, the national team produced scintillating displays, which fans believe is still lacking in the current side. Although Jelusic's Zebras did not qualify for a major tournament, they showed grit and fought well against continental giants such as Tunisia and Morocco.

His departure from the Zebras was met with sadness as local fans were clamouring for his stay. However, he stuck to his decision to leave the national team.

BFA president, David Fani said they have not decided whether to renew Jelusic's contract, which expires on December 31. Before the decision was made, Jelusic told the association that he will return to his home due to family commitments.

'We were still going to sit down with him and negotiate. I can't say we were going to renew or not because we are supposed to make an assessment first.

'Jelusic has made a positive contribution to football, he has left a legacy and Botswana football has a bright future,' Fani told Mmegi Sport.

He denied that Jelusic had become a financial burden to an association that relies on a shoe-string budget. 'Not really (he was not a financial burden). We were managing.'

Fani said the BFA has requested its technical director, Sonnyboy Sethibe to advise on the way forward in the replacement of Jelusic.

A statement from the BFA says the coach arrived in Botswana in 2002 and had a brief stint as Mochudi Centre Chiefs' coach.

He joined the Zebras in September 2002 as head coach, being the first to be employed in the position on a full-time basis. Current Zebras' coach, Stanley Tshosane was his assistant.

During Jelusic's reign, the Zebras' position in the FIFA rankings improved significantly from 150 to 95. This has only been bettered by Tshosane during his current spell as head coach. Under Jelusic, Zebras' support soared with the emergence of supporters' clubs across the country.

At the end of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in 2006, Jelusic requested to be moved to the junior teams in the ages of between 12 and 17.

'The BFA takes the pleasure to thank Jelusic for the contribution he made to the growth and development of football in Botswana in general and the positive impact he had on the senior team in particular,' Fani said in a media statement. It is reported that, besides family commitments, Jelusic's country needs his services.