Marshall Munetsi has, over the past few years, grown into the emotional and tactical heartbeat of the Zimbabwe Warriors. A commanding presence in midfield, he blends calmness in possession with tireless industry off the ball, anchoring battles with maturity and authority. Whether breaking up opposition attacks or driving his team forward, Munetsi’s influence extends far beyond statistics. He leads by example, inspiring teammates through discipline, humility, and an unrelenting work ethic that has earned him deep respect within the squad.
As captain, Munetsi shoulders responsibility with quiet confidence. He is not known for theatrics or empty gestures, but for speaking up when standards slip and demanding accountability from himself and others. Every sprint back to defend, every crunching challenge, and every late block reflects a player fully committed to the national cause. For many supporters, he embodies sacrifice, professionalism, and unwavering national pride.
It was therefore no surprise that fans fully expected Munetsi’s name to feature prominently in Zimbabwe’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). His experience, leadership, and consistency made him a near-automatic selection in the eyes of many. When his omission from the final squad was confirmed, shockwaves rippled across the football community, leaving supporters stunned and prompting uncomfortable questions about decision-making within the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA).
Zimbabwe midfielder Marshall Munetsi expresses frustration over AFCON omission
For a fan base accustomed to disappointment but fiercely loyal, Munetsi’s exclusion felt like a breaking point. To many, he represents the kind of player Zimbabwe should be building around—disciplined, committed, and deeply proud to wear the national jersey. His absence from such a major tournament raised concerns not only about team balance on the pitch, but also about how senior players are valued and treated behind the scenes.
Former Warriors captain Willard Katsande was among the most vocal critics of the decision. Known for his forthright views, Katsande did not mince his words as he questioned ZIFA’s handling of Munetsi’s situation. Drawing from his own experience in national colours, Katsande emphasised the immense sacrifices players make to represent Zimbabwe, often at personal and professional cost.
“These are soldiers,” Katsande said, underscoring the dedication required to serve the national team. He argued that players like Munetsi deserve far better communication and respect from administrators. According to Katsande, someone within ZIFA should have taken responsibility for following up thoroughly on Munetsi’s condition and availability.
Reports suggest that Munetsi’s club medical team had provided updates regarding his fitness, yet meaningful engagement from ZIFA never fully materialised. This lack of clarity allowed uncertainty to grow around his readiness for the AFCON tournament in Morocco. For Katsande, the issue was not merely about selection, but about communication and professionalism.
He argued that clear, direct dialogue between administrators, coaches, and players could have protected everyone involved. Instead, the silence and apparent indecision created unnecessary drama, placing strain on trust within the camp and fuelling speculation among fans. Katsande stressed that in modern football, professionalism is required at every level, not just from players on the field.
Beyond Munetsi’s individual case, Katsande warned of broader consequences if such situations are allowed to persist. He cautioned that future stars may begin to question whether total commitment to the national team is worthwhile if senior leaders can be sidelined without transparent explanation. When players feel undervalued or disposable, he argued, motivation and loyalty inevitably suffer.
His defence of Munetsi struck a chord with many Warriors supporters, who have long voiced frustration over administrative shortcomings. For them, the episode reinforced a familiar narrative of mismanagement overshadowing on-field progress. Katsande’s comments gave voice to a collective concern that Zimbabwe’s football potential continues to be undermined by issues off the pitch.
In calling for accountability, Katsande urged ZIFA to take concrete steps to repair relationships damaged by the saga. He suggested that a public apology would be a meaningful starting point, signalling respect for players and a willingness to learn from mistakes. More importantly, he called for structural improvements to ensure better communication and player welfare going forward.
Only by rebuilding trust, Katsande argued, can Zimbabwe fully harness its footballing talent. Munetsi’s omission may yet prove a turning point—either as another chapter in a long history of frustration, or as a lesson that prompts reform. For now, the midfield general remains a symbol of what the Warriors aspire to be, and his absence from AFCON continues to weigh heavily on a nation desperate to see its football thrive.
Sorce- iHarare
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