Marshall Munetsi Biography: Early Career | Career In France | International Career |
Marshall Nyasha Munetsi is a Zimbabwean professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Ligue 1 club Stade de Reims and the Zimbabwe national team. He was born on 22 June 1996 in Harare, Zimbabwe. He started his football career at a young age, playing for Friendly Academy and Blue Rangers FC in his home country.
Marshall Munetsi Early Career in South Africa
In July 2015, Munetsi moved to South Africa and joined Ubuntu Cape Town, a team in the National First Division. He made his professional debut on 26 September 2015 and scored his first goal on 16 April 2016. He was described as “in the mould of a typical Yaya Touré” by his team, referring to the former Ivory Coast and Manchester City star.
In December 2015, Munetsi attended trials with Orlando Pirates, a team in the Premier Division, and impressed them with his skills and potential. He signed with them in July 2016 but was immediately loaned out to Baroka FC, another team in the same league. He played for Baroka for two seasons, making 26 appearances and scoring two goals.
In July 2017, Munetsi returned to Orlando Pirates and became a regular member of their squad. He played for them for two more seasons, making 28 appearances and helping them finish second in the league twice. He also played in the CAF Champions League, the continental club competition for African teams.
Move to France
Marshall Munetsi Biography [Image: Marshall Munetsi/Facebook]
On 11 June 2019, Munetsi signed for Reims, a club in the French top division, Ligue 1. He joined them on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee. He made his debut for Reims on 10 August 2019 and scored his first goal for them on 23 November 2019. He quickly established himself as a key player for Reims, playing in various midfield positions and showing his versatility and quality.
As of July 2023, Munetsi has made 102 appearances and scored 13 goals for Reims. He has also extended his contract with them until June 2027. He is one of the most valued players in Ligue 1, with a market value of €9 million, according to Transfermarkt.
Marshall Munetsi International Career
Munetsi made his debut for the Zimbabwe national team on 21 March 2018 in a friendly match against Zambia. He was part of the squad that won the COSAFA Cup in 2018, a regional tournament for Southern African teams. He also represented Zimbabwe at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, where they were eliminated in the group stage.
As of February 2023, Munetsi has made 23 appearances and scored one goal for Zimbabwe. His only goal came on 10 September 2019 against Somalia in a World Cup qualifier.
Marshall Munetsi Honours
Marshall Munetsi Biography [Image: Marshall Munetsi/Facebook]
Here are some of the awards and recognitions that Marshall Munetsi has won:
- COSAFA Cup: He was part of the Zimbabwe national team that won the COSAFA Cup in 2018.
- Citizen’s Player Award: He was honoured in France at the 2023 Citizen’s Player Award ceremony that was held by the Union of Professional Footballers (UNFP). The award recognises players who are involved in social and humanitarian causes. Munetsi was praised for his work with his foundation, which supports underprivileged children in Zimbabwe
- Highest market value: He is one of the most valued players in Ligue 1, with a market value of €9 million, according to Transfermarkt. This reflects his performance and potential as a midfielder for Reims and Zimbabwe
Personal Life
Marshall Munetsi Biography [Image: Marshall Munetsi/Facebook]
Marshall Munetsi got engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Anotida, in September 2022. The engagement was confirmed by pictures shared by a local newspaper. Anotida is his fiancee and future wife.
The lovebirds tied the knot in November 2022.
