Story by Raynald Ngwarati
Zimbabwe Warriors vice captain Marshall Munetsi has sealed a move to the English Premier League after completing a three-and-a-half-year deal with Wolverhampton Wanderers on deadline day.
Dubbed the world’s best football league, the EPL has welcomed yet another Zimbabwean starlet in the former Orlando Pirates and Baroka FC midfielder who joins the Wolves ranks, switching base from Stade Reims.
Munetsi, who was with Reims in the French Ligue 1 for the past three and a half seasons, becomes the most expensive Zimbabwean footballer after sealing a move rumoured to be around 16 million pounds plus add ons, with sources suggesting an overall 20 million pounds.
Munetsi thus beat the 11 million pounds plus add-ons record held by Marvelous Nakamba when he moved to Aston Villa in 2019.
Munetsi has hit his prime since sealing a move to Europe earning the arm band for both club and country and his 21 caps this season are testament to his exploits.
After sealing a move to Europe, the 28-year-old turned out to be a regular starter for Reims, making 159 caps, recording 21 goal contributions in that stint.
Commenting on the record-breaking move, Wolves Chairman Jeff Shi was thrilled with the move, appreciating Munetsi’s experience in European top tier football.
“Our staff travelled to France to ensure this deal was done on deadline day, as it was important for the club, and we’re pleased to bring an experienced player into the group at an important time of the season,” said Shi.
Shi also hinted at the former Ali Sundowns player getting first team starts at the Molineux.
“We’re excited to have Marshall on board, and I hope he can help us achieve our aims. He’ll have the full support of all of us at Compton Park and I hope he will have a long and successful time as part of the Wolves family,” Shi added.
The Mabvuku bred star joins fellow Warriors player, Tawanda Chirewa at Wolves, although the forward was loaned to English League One side Huddersfield Town on deadline day.
Wolves is also home to a pair of Warriors prospects, Leon Chiwome and Ethan Sutherland.
His move comes as good news for Zimbabwe Football fans who hope to win the allegiance of the two youngsters, with optimism that Munetsi will convince the two starlets to represent the Warriors.
