Former AmaZulu boss Jozef Vukusic takes technical role in Sierra Leone

Former AmaZulu head coach Jozef Vukusic has returned to football with Sierra Leone Premier League club Star Sport Academy on a short-term contract.

The 61-year-old, who has also managed Polokwane City, confirmed that he has joined the club as a technical adviser ahead of their first-round Champions League tie against Gambian side Medina.

“I am working for Star Sport Academy as a technical adviser to help them for the first round of the Champions League against the Gambian side Medina,” said Vukusic.

Star Sport Academy are preparing for their involvement in Africa’s leading club competition, with the first preliminary round scheduled to begin early next month.

Vukusic’s responsibilities will extend beyond the senior team. The Sierra Leone club intends to use his experience across the academy, including in its youth development programme.

His appointment gives Star Sport Academy access to a coach with experience in South African football, where he previously worked with both AmaZulu and Polokwane City. His immediate task, however, will be to assist the club during its continental campaign against Medina.

Star Sport Academy announced the move by welcoming Vukusic to the organisation and highlighting his potential contribution to the development of young players.

“We are delighted to welcome Jozef Vukusic to the academy and look forward to working with him as we continue developing the next generation of footballers,” stated Star Sport Academy.

The club added: “We are confident that his knowledge, experience, and passion for developing players will make him a great addition to the Star Sport Academy family.”

Vukusic’s new role marks his return to the dugout and technical side of the game after his previous coaching work in South Africa. Although the agreement is short term, Star Sport Academy will rely on him as it prepares for the opening round of its Champions League campaign and continues its work with players at youth level.

The club competes in Sierra Leone’s Premier League and will represent the country in the first preliminary round of Africa’s elite club competition. Its tie with Medina will be the immediate focus of Vukusic’s assignment, while his wider remit will include supporting the academy’s football operations and helping develop the next generation of players.