Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE coach Marian “Mario’’ Marinica has broken his silence on Marshall Munetsi’s isolation from the Warriors, with the veteran coach revealing that he was opening the door for the Paris FC midfielder’s return into the national team field.
It has since emerged that the coach and his player are smoking a peace pipe that will see Munetsi being reconsidered for the senior national team’s future assignments.
This also puts paid to speculation that Marinica had put a lid on Munetsi’s international career.
Marinica revealed in Bulawayo on Wednesday night that the door was open for Munetsi to resume his international career with the on-loan Wolves man now likely to return during the next FIFA window in June when Zimbabwe continue with their preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign.
Munetsi has been frozen out of the Warriors since the midfielder, ruled out of the 2025 Nations Cup finals by injury, later publicly slammed the decision to exclude him from the squad that travelled to Morocco.
He insisted that he should have been included and would have received in time to play a part in the competition in which Zimbabwe were in Group B along with Egypt, South Africa and Angola.
This sparked a nasty fallout that played out more on the social media platforms and which was not helped by the player’s attacks on ZIFA and the coach during a live interview with a South African radio station.
But in a move clothed in maturity and carefully measured to ensure the negativity that had played out more on social media platforms did not permeate into the Warriors dressing room, Marinica addressed the Munetsi issue ahead of his team’s departure for Botswana for the Mukuru Four Nations tournament over the weekend.
The Warriors left Bulawayo for Francistown yesterday afternoon and arrived at their base early evening.
They will face the Zebras in one of the two semi-finals at Obed Itani Chilume, tomorrow.
Marinica said although Munetsi will be conspicuous by his absence at the Four Nations tourney, the coach had not completely shut the door on the Warriors vice-captain.
The 61-year-old Romanian added that processes were being undertaken for Munetsi’s re-integration into the Warriors with the gaffer lining up a “clear the air’’ meeting with the midfielder.
Marinica who has been steadfast in refusing to be drawn into a public spat over the matter has moved to reassure the nation, making it clear that the door remains wide open for the midfielder’s return.
“First of all, Marshall remains a very important player for the national team. As a coach I will always want the best Zimbabwean players to be available, and Marshall is certainly one of them,” said Marinica.
The coach’s remarks underline his commitment to assembling the strongest possible squad as he continues to shape a competitive Warriors side capable of challenging on the continental stage.
In a significant step forward, Marinica revealed that he has requested a meeting with Munetsi in a bid to clear the air and strengthen relations.
The move reflects a mature and professional approach aimed at ensuring unity within the team.
“In the spirit of clarity and unity, we have requested a meeting with Marshall Munetsi so that we can sit down, speak openly and get to the bottom of any misunderstandings that may be there.
“These matters are always best handled through direct, respectful and honest communication,” he said.
The emphasis on dialogue and mutual understanding highlights Marinica’s vision of building a cohesive squad environment, where communication and respect are central to success.
As the Warriors prepare for upcoming competitions, including regional tournaments and 2027 Africa Cup and World Cup qualifiers, the potential return of Munetsi could be a timely boost.
The Paris FC midfielder, who missed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco because of injury, has experience, leadership and the work rate in midfield, which have made him a key figure for Zimbabwe over the years.
And Marinica, who has one eye on a 2030 World Cup qualification believes the focus must remain on the bigger picture of ensuring that both player and national team are aligned in their ambitions.
“The most important thing is to keep the conversation positive and focused on what’s best for the player, team and nation,” he added.
“My message is simple. My door is always open. The national team belongs to all Zimbabweans and every player who is committed to representing the country will always be welcomed.”
