Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi-Zimpapers Sports Hub
MARSHALL Munetsi was yesterday booked to conduct medicals in France to conclude his loan move to Ligue 1 side Paris FC but the move has sparked mixed feelings among Zimbabweans.
Munetsi’s career apparently has hit troubled waters at English Premiership side Wolverhampton Wanderers, and a return to France where he blossomed a few years back, has been seen as a welcome escape.
Various media outlets including Skysports and BBC reported yesterday that an agreement between Wolves and Paris FC was reached on Wednesday. The temporary move, however, does not include an option to buy.
Munetsi signed for Wolves from Stade Reims last January and still has two-and-a-half years on his contract. He was a regular under Vítor Pereira, who left Molineux in November.
Zimbabweans were divided, with some arguing that Munetsi needed to step out of the current environment at Wolves to rediscover his form, while others believed it could be difficult for the midfielder to bounce back to his best version from the “downgrade”.
But what is clear is that Munetsi is set to benefit from the arrangement, given his playing time had decreased under Edwards.
Football coach and talent development expert Bekhimpilo Nyoni said the proposed loan deal could be the best option for the midfielder under the current conditions.
“I want to believe everyone was very happy to be seeing Munetsi playing in the Premier League,” said Nyoni. “But of late, with the coming in of the new coach, it seems the new coach didn’t have plans for him and he has not been having much game time. So, it is good for him to go back to France, taking into account that he blossomed in France. He understands the environment in France, especially the football in France, so it’s really to his advantage.
“I know people will say he was in the EPL, why has he gone to the French League? This is a top European League and being in the European League, I’m sure it will help him to develop as a player.
“Age is no longer on his side to keep on sitting and trying to say ‘I will compete as long as I’m getting money.’ He has to show he is a competitive player who is ready to fight at his club and play football so that he can also find himself playing for his country which is very, very key.
“At the moment he is not playing, he is not having enough game time; it affects him. So, when he gets to France, I’m sure he will just definitely, the coach will start playing him,” said Nyoni.
The midfielder has been sidelined since early December after sustaining a calf injury, and during his absence, the club has enjoyed an improved run of form, with the manager pushing Munetsi further down the pecking order.
The calf injury also ruled Munetsi out of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
L’Equipe reported last month that the Zimbabwe international had fallen out of favour with the Wolves manager. The French media predicted that a January move was imminent due to the “deteriorating situation.”
Since the loan deal does not have an option or obligation to buy, the Zimbabwean will return to Molineux after this season.
Player intermediary George Deda believes the temporary loan deal could offset Munetsi’s career progress.
“Personally, in terms of career progression, I think Marshall has made 10 steps forward and then 15 steps backwards,” said Deda.
“It’s every player’s dream to play in one of the most challenging leagues in the world, which is the English Premier League. The fact that he made that big move shows his career had moved a notch up. We have seen it with many West African players. Most of these great West African players, they start in France or Switzerland. They then migrate to England.
“And for him to go back and play at Paris FC, a team doomed as relegation candidates, it’s a career that has gone backwards.”
“For someone of his age, I don’t see him making another big move. But in football, you can never write anything off. He can still make it, but the chances are very slim.”
Meanwhile Munetsi’s Warriors teammate Divine Lunga has been handed a contract extension by South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns.
South African media outlet Soccer Laduma yesterday reported that the Brazilians have activated a clause on Lunga’s contract to extend by a further two years.
Although not a regular starter, Lunga has been rewarded for his consistency, as he has proved to be a reliable member of Miguel Cardoso’s side each time he got the opportunity. Lunga’s agent confirmed the contract position in an interview with Soccer Laduma.
“Sundowns have exercised their option. He has another two years left. I think it’s important. We know that there is a lot of competition for places at Sundowns, but I also think that Sundowns will always be involved in a lot of competitions.
“One of the strengths Sundowns have displayed over the years is strength in depth in most positions and Divine plays an important role there,” said Mike Makaab.
See story on Page 12
