Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
MARSHAL Munetsi’s former coach, Patridge Muskwe, is not surprised by the Warriors stand-in captain’s rise.
The Zimbabwean midfielder made history last month by becoming the first Zimbabwean to score in the English Premier League since Benjani Mwaruwari 14 years ago.
Munetsi struck for Wolverhampton Wanderers in their 1-1 draw with Everton at Molineux on March 8 − just over a month after completing his US$20 million move from Stade Reims. Since joining Wolves on February 3, the 28-year-old has started eight of the nine matches he’s played, registering one goal and one assist in 699 minutes of top-flight football.
According to Opta data, Munetsi has completed 99 successful passes, made 18 tackles, five interceptions, and created three chances since making his Premier League debut against Liverpool at Anfield on February 16.
And on Sunday, he started and finished Wolves’ stunning 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford − their first win at “The Theatre of Dreams” since 1980.
Since Munetsi’s arrival, Wolves have collected 19 points from a possible 27 − a 70 percent success rate − and are riding a five-match winning streak heading into Saturday’s home clash against Leicester City.
As pundits across England continue to praise the Mabvuku-bred star’s impact, Muskwe − the man who helped shape Munetsi’s early journey at Harare’s Friendly Academy − is beaming with pride.
“Munetsi was a dedicated and humble young lad who would arrive at our training fields at Hellenics earlier than everyone else,” Muskwe told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“Sometimes he would even help the groundsmen water the fields!” he added with a chuckle.
The dreadlocked coach remembers a prophetic conversation from a decade ago, when Munetsi had just signed with Ubuntu Cape Town in South Africa.
“I told him he would become captain of Zimbabwe’s national team. I also told him he’d end up playing in the EPL. You can ask him about it,” Muskwe said.
“I’m proud of Marshal because he passed through my hands. I’m humbled that, as Friendly Academy, we produced a player now shining on a grand stage like the EPL.”
After leaving Friendly Academy, Munetsi turned out for now-defunct Blue Rangers in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League, before moving to Ubuntu Cape Town in 2015. He went on to play for Baroka, Orlando Pirates, and Stade Reims before sealing his Premier League switch.
“Those still training at Friendly Academy should be inspired by Munetsi,” Muskwe said.
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