Her Football Hub
·19 March 2024
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·19 March 2024
Brčko-born Selver Hodžić has been confirmed as the new Bosnia and Herzegovina manager following his exit from the Switzerland national team as assistant coach.
Bosnia and Herzegovina have yet to qualify for a World Cup or European championship. They recently suffered a two-legged loss against Sweden in the Nations League, conceding ten goals, scoring none during the two fixtures.
Bosnia and Herzegovina are currently 63rd in the FIFA world rankings. That’s just ahead of Zambia, who recently moved up five places, and Ghana. However, there’s no lack of talent in the team, with the likes of Inter Milan duo Maja Jelčić and Marija Ana Milinković.
Iconic forward Milena Nikolić leads the team as the captain. It’s yet to be seen whether the new manager will keep faith in that leadership or look for an instant change.
Aida Hadzic (L) of Bosnia and Herzegovina battles with Rosa Kafajiz of Sweden. During the UEFA Women’s Nations League on February 28, 2024 in Sweden. (Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images)
Hodžić perhaps doesn’t have the pedigree off the field that you’d expect from a newly appointed international manager. Most recently, he spent time with Inka Grings as assistant manager of the Swiss national team. He enjoyed a spell in charge of FC Aarau in Switzerland.
That being said, with over 300 games in the professional game on the field, it’s clear he understands what it takes to win. The 45-year-old had a relatively successful two-year stint as manager of his former club SC Buochs in Switzerland. That ended in 2019 and Hodžić will need to draw on that experience if he has any chance of success.
Switzerland has played an important part in Hodžić’s life. He arrived there as a refugee at just 15 years of age after fleeing from war in former SFR Yugoslavia.
Bosnia and Herzegovina stay in League B for a second year in the Nations League, following their play-off loss to Sweden.
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