Marshall Munetsi, once considered not good enough for Orlando Pirates in 2019, has now become a €18 million (R349 million) player. Here’s his incredible rise.
Munetsi’s Premier League Dream Fulfilled
At 28 years old, Zimbabwean midfielder Marshall Munetsi has sealed a high-profile move to Wolverhampton Wanderers for €18 million (R349 million) on deadline day. Munetsi, who last played for Reims in France’s Ligue 1, is now set to debut either in the FA Cup against Blackburn on February 9 or at Anfield against Premier League leaders Liverpool on February 16. This marks a sharp rise for a player who was overlooked by Orlando Pirates just six years ago.
He’s set to earn an impressive €51k (R1 million) per week with Wolves. Munetsi’s journey to the top is even more remarkable considering he once earned as little as R5k a month while playing in South Africa.
“I’m delighted. It’s a dream come true for me,” Munetsi said in an interview with Wolves’ website. “The Premier League is the best place to be, so I’m thrilled to join this amazing team and family.”
A Journey from Zimbabwe to Europe
Munetsi began his career with Blue Rangers FC in Zimbabwe before making his mark in South Africa. He played for FC Cape Town, Orlando Pirates, and Baroka over a four-year period. In 2019, after two years with Pirates, Munetsi made the leap to Europe, signing with Reims on a free transfer. Over 159 appearances for Reims, the talented midfielder contributed 21 goals and 14 assists, with a feisty presence in the midfield that also saw him receive 33 yellow cards. Now, at Wolves, his combative style promises to bring plenty of bite to the Premier League.
