Exclusive: Marshall Munetsi Settles in at Wolves but Is Still Figuring Out the Premier League Effect

Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Marshall Munetsi has expressed his satisfaction with his move to the Premier League but remains uncertain about its overall impact on his development as a player and a leader of his national team.

The Zimbabwean international, widely regarded as a national hero following his highly anticipated transfer, joined Wolves from French Ligue 1 side Stade Reims on the January transfer deadline day. The move came after three successful seasons in France.

Munetsi has seamlessly integrated into the Premier League, adapting well to manager Vítor Pereira’s tactical approach. 

On March 9, the 28-year-old marked a milestone by scoring his first goal for Wolves in a 1-1 draw against Everton, becoming the first Zimbabwean to score in the Premier League since Benjani Mwaruwari’s goal for Blackburn Rovers in 2011.

Despite his smooth transition, Munetsi remains cautious about assessing the league’s impact on his career.

"I've been enjoying the experience, and it's a great league to play in. However, having only been here for one or two months, I can't say it has had a significant impact on me as a player and as a leader just yet. Hopefully, I’ll continue to grow and contribute more to my team," he told Sportsboom.com.

Reflections on a Global Career

Munetsi’s football journey began in Zimbabwe before he moved to South Africa, where he played for Ubuntu Cape Town, FC Baroka, and Orlando Pirates. 

After three seasons in the South African Premier Soccer League, he transitioned to European football with Stade Reims, where he made a strong impression.

Reflecting on his career path, Munetsi acknowledges the value of his previous experiences.

"I had a great time in South Africa and France," he added.

"Playing against big names and sharing the pitch with top players is something you carry with you throughout your career. As much as you're competing, you're also learning from your opponents."

Leading the Warriors

While Wolves fans look to Munetsi to help the club avoid relegation, expectations are equally high in Zimbabwe, where he captains the national team, the Warriors. 

He leads a promising group of Zimbabwean players plying their trade in Europe, including former Bournemouth defender Jordan Zemura, Cardiff City’s Andy Rinomhota, Luton Town’s Marvelous Nakamba, and Huddersfield Town’s Tawanda Chirewa, who is currently on loan from Wolves.

Under Munetsi’s leadership, Zimbabwe secured qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, set to be hosted in Morocco this December. 

However, the team faces an uphill battle in their bid for a 2026 FIFA World Cup spot, currently sitting at the bottom of Group C in the African qualifiers with just four points from six matches.

"We have a lot of talent, but I wouldn’t say we are disappointed with our position on the table. Of course, we were suspended from international football, and when we returned, we played under interim coaches for some time." 

"However, since our current coach took over, we’ve played exciting football and successfully qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations."

"We are a young team making great strides, and Zimbabwe is proud of what we’ve achieved," he concluded.

As Munetsi continues his journey in the Premier League, his focus remains on contributing to Wolverhampton Wanderers and further developing as a player. 

With Wolves fighting to secure their place in the league and Zimbabwe preparing for AFCON, the coming months will be crucial for both his club and country.