Munetsi’s Wolves stay in doubt
...as Ligue 1 clubs circle ahead of January window
L’Équipe / STAFF WRITER
Marshall Munetsi could be set for a return to Ligue 1 this January, with L’Équipe reporting that Wolverhampton Wanderers are open to letting the Zimbabwe international leave.
Munetsi joined Wolves from Stade de Reims in February after six seasons in France, initially forcing his way into the first team. However, his involvement has dwindled sharply following a managerial change at Molineux.
A regular starter under Vitor Pereira, the midfielder has struggled for minutes since Rob Edwards took charge — a situation that could prompt an early exit and a potential move back to France.
It is understood that several unnamed Ligue 1 clubs are monitoring Munetsi’s situation closely, despite the player being under contract at Wolves until 2028.
The uncertainty over his club future comes amid further frustration on the international front. Munetsi was a surprise omission from Zimbabwe’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad for the tournament in Morocco (December 21 – January 18), despite insisting he had recovered sufficiently from injury.
The squad, announced on Thursday, included Munetsi’s Wolves teammate Tawanda Chirewa but excluded experienced forward Khama Billiat, reportedly for personal reasons.
“This one hurts, as representing the Warriors has always been a dream, and wearing our colours is the greatest honour of my career. AFCON would have even been more significant,” Munetsi wrote on social media.
“I had an injury recently, but my club, Wolves, communicated with the association that I was recovering well and even offered medical support to ensure that I could participate at the AFCON. Unfortunately, I received no follow-up communication, and decisions were made without clarity—speculation which wasn’t the case.
“While I’m hurt, my unwavering support for the national team remains strong. I respect the coach’s decisions and stand behind the boys wholeheartedly. I will always be ready to defend the nation I love. Go Warriors, go!”
Munetsi was not selected due to an apparent injury, although the player maintains he was fit enough to travel to Morocco.
Zimbabwe are now under the guidance of new head coach Marian Marinica, who recently took over following the Warriors’ unsuccessful FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign under Michael Nees.
Despite the challenges, the Warriors squad still boasts notable talent. Alongside Chirewa, the team includes dependable defensive options such as Divine Lunga and Teenage Hadebe, while Luton Town midfielder Marvelous Nakamba adds steel in midfield. Veteran playmaker Knowledge Musona is also expected to play a key leadership role.
Zimbabwe have been drawn in Group B at AFCON alongside South Africa, Angola and Egypt. They open their campaign against Egypt on December 22, face Angola on Boxing Day, and conclude the group stage with a clash against neighbours South Africa on December 29.
