The Sunday Mail
Ralston Muchoko
AFTER making a breakthrough with Soweto giants, Orlando Pirates Marshal “Nyale” Munetsi now wants to take his career to another level.
The 21-year-old linkman , who can also play in defence, is part of the 33-member provisional Cosafa Cup squad announced by Sunday “Mhofu” Chidzambwa last week.
This is the second time that Munetsi has been called up by Chidzambwa after the veteran coach included the Bucaneers player in the Warriors’ squad for a Four Nation tournament played in Zambia in March.
Munetsi is relishing the chance of becoming a Warriors regular.
“Finally, I have made the breakthrough and I believe these national team call-ups are a step ahead in my career,” he said.
“It’s by the grace of God, talent, passion and hard work which have made me who I am today.”
Munetsi featured 12 times for Orlando Pirates who finished second behind Khama Billiat’s Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2017/2018 ABSA Premiership.
The Mabvuku-bred star rejoined Pirates from a loan spell with Baroka FC at the beginning of the season and played 637 minutes for the Soweto giants.
Those minutes were enough to convince Chidzambwa, who has drafted the former Ali Sundowns player into his squad for the 2018 Cosafa Cup which runs between May 27 and June 9.
Chidzambwa was particularly impressed with Munetsi’s performance at the Four Nations tournament held in Zambia.
It’s been a long journey for Munetsi who faced hardships, from not having training kit and not getting opportunities to play, when he grew up in Mabvuku.
Munetsi started his football journey at Ali Sundowns Juniors before moving to Friendly Academy. He then went on to join Division One side Blue Rangers FC in Harare. He moved to South Africa in 2015 where he joined First Division side Ubuntu Cape Town before joining Baroka and finally Pirates, where his career is now blossoming.
“My passion for football developed from watching the legendary Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira dominating the EPL at Arsenal,” said Munetsi.
“I dreamt of being like him and always tried to model my game around Viera. I would like to thank FC Friendly Academy, Ali Sundowns Juniors, coach Lloyd “Mablanyo” Chigove and the late Friday Phiri for helping build my career.”
