Zimbabwe Warriors midfielder Marshall Munetsi has broken his silence following his shock omission from coach Marian Marinica’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), expressing disappointment and suggesting that a rushed decision was taken regarding his fitness.
Munetsi, one of Zimbabwe’s most consistent performers in recent years and a former national team captain, was surprisingly left out of the squad announced on Thursday. The exclusion followed a calf injury he sustained earlier this month while playing for English Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers in a match against Nottingham Forest.
In a candid message shared on social media on Friday, the 29-year-old sought to clarify the circumstances surrounding his injury, saying his condition had been misjudged and that communication between his club and the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) failed to translate into meaningful engagement.
“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,” Munetsi wrote. “Unfortunately, I received no follow-up communication, and decisions were made without clarity; speculation, which wasn’t the case.”
Zimbabwe midfielder Marshall Munetsi expresses frustration over AFCON omission
Munetsi’s comments appeared to confirm growing concerns about how the situation was handled, particularly given his importance to the team both on and off the pitch. A disciplined and tireless midfielder, Munetsi has been central to Zimbabwe’s resurgence in recent campaigns, earning admiration for his leadership, work rate, and commitment to the national cause.
Despite his disappointment, Munetsi struck a conciliatory tone, insisting that his loyalty to the Warriors remains unwavering. “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,” he said.
The midfielder also reaffirmed his deep emotional connection to the national team, underlining how much representing Zimbabwe means to him. “I will always be ready to defend the nation I love. 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 added.
His remarks resonated strongly with supporters, many of whom were stunned by his absence from the squad heading to Morocco. For fans, Munetsi symbolises professionalism and sacrifice, qualities they believe are vital in high-pressure tournaments such as AFCON. His omission has therefore fuelled debate not only about squad selection, but also about communication and player welfare within the national setup.
Zimbabwe’s return to the Africa Cup of Nations marks their fourth appearance in the last five editions of the tournament. However, the journey back to continental football has not been straightforward. The Warriors missed the previous finals in Ivory Coast after being banned.
Source- Supersport
