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Orlando Pirates reject accepted in the English Premier League
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There was a time when Zimbabwean footballer Marshall Munetsi was told he wasn't good enough to play for South African giants Orlando Pirates. Now, the resilient midfielder is having the last laugh after sealing a US$20.5 million dream move to English Premier League (EPL) side Wolverhampton Wanderers (Wolves).
Munetsi reflected on his turbulent early career during an interview with South African sportscaster Robert Marawa on Marawa Sport Worldwide.
"When I went to Pirates, Eric Tinkler had just left, and Muhsin [Ertugral] made it clear he had no intention of playing me, so they loaned me to Baroka," Munetsi said.
At Baroka, a young and ambitious side, Munetsi found his footing, scoring three goals and gaining vital match experience. However, when he returned to Pirates, challenges persisted as coaching changes continued to disrupt his career.
"I tried to go to Ajax Cape Town, but the deal fell through," he recounted. "When Micho [Milutin Sredojević] came in, they had their own plans, and I had to sit out six months in the 2017/18 season without being registered or playing. It was a huge blow for me as I was trying to make strides after Baroka."
When Pirates finally gave him a chance, it was in a less familiar role as a central defender. Determined to prove himself, Munetsi adapted to the role, though it wasn't his preference.
Despite the setbacks, Munetsi's perseverance paid off when he made the leap to French Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims. While some players deemed better by South African coaches remained in the domestic league, Munetsi thrived in France. Over time, he established himself as a vital player, even captaining Reims in his final game.
Now, Munetsi's remarkable rise has taken him to the world's most-watched football league, joining Wolves in the EPL. The transfer, valued at US$20.5 million, underscores his growing reputation as a dynamic and hard-working midfielder.
From enduring rejection in South Africa to becoming one of Zimbabwe's brightest football exports, Munetsi's story is one of resilience, hard work, and belief. His move to Wolves marks a new chapter in his career and serves as an inspiration for aspiring footballers worldwide.
For Munetsi, the struggles of the past now serve as motivation to make an impact in one of football's toughest leagues.
Munetsi reflected on his turbulent early career during an interview with South African sportscaster Robert Marawa on Marawa Sport Worldwide.
"When I went to Pirates, Eric Tinkler had just left, and Muhsin [Ertugral] made it clear he had no intention of playing me, so they loaned me to Baroka," Munetsi said.
At Baroka, a young and ambitious side, Munetsi found his footing, scoring three goals and gaining vital match experience. However, when he returned to Pirates, challenges persisted as coaching changes continued to disrupt his career.
"I tried to go to Ajax Cape Town, but the deal fell through," he recounted. "When Micho [Milutin Sredojević] came in, they had their own plans, and I had to sit out six months in the 2017/18 season without being registered or playing. It was a huge blow for me as I was trying to make strides after Baroka."
When Pirates finally gave him a chance, it was in a less familiar role as a central defender. Determined to prove himself, Munetsi adapted to the role, though it wasn't his preference.
Despite the setbacks, Munetsi's perseverance paid off when he made the leap to French Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims. While some players deemed better by South African coaches remained in the domestic league, Munetsi thrived in France. Over time, he established himself as a vital player, even captaining Reims in his final game.
Now, Munetsi's remarkable rise has taken him to the world's most-watched football league, joining Wolves in the EPL. The transfer, valued at US$20.5 million, underscores his growing reputation as a dynamic and hard-working midfielder.
From enduring rejection in South Africa to becoming one of Zimbabwe's brightest football exports, Munetsi's story is one of resilience, hard work, and belief. His move to Wolves marks a new chapter in his career and serves as an inspiration for aspiring footballers worldwide.
For Munetsi, the struggles of the past now serve as motivation to make an impact in one of football's toughest leagues.
Source - bmetro
