The Inspiring Story of Munetsi - First Zimbabwean to Score in English Premier League Since 2011

Applauded as reincarnated Zinedine Zidane with a touch of peak Casimero and a little bit of Modric as toppings, Midfielder Marshall Munetsi made history on Saturday by being the first Zimbabwean to score in the English Premier League since January 2011, as he moved Wolves six points clear of the bottom three with a 1-1 draw against Everton.

In a feat taunted in the streets of Harare and other parts of the country as Zimbo to the world, the former Orlando Pirates star found the back of the net in the 40th minute of the game at Molineux Stadium, helping the Old Gold to secure a crucial point in their battle against the drop. 

The goal was more about the run than anything else as he burst from the centre circle and into the box to get on the end of a low pass and steer it past Jordan Pickford. It was a goal full of composure. This makes it a goal and an assist in his first three starts for the club.

The 28-year-old, who failed to hit the target in his first five matches, has now proven to be a worthy gamble for Wolverhampton Wanderers coach Vitor Pereira. The manager has been audacious to fix the energetic Zimbabwean as a forward, away from his usual role.

Credit: Sundaymail

The last Zimbabwean player to score in the Premier League was Benjani Mwaruwari for Blackburn Rovers, some 14 years ago. Some have tried to discredit this by pointing to Reiss Nelson who scored in the intervening period for Arsenal including that wonder volley against Bournemouth in the last minute (3-2) last season. But the footballer had last year denied any tiers with Zimbabwe. 

Speaking on the Arsenal weekly show Colney Carpool, Nelson said, “People think I’m from Zimbabwe, and I had a lot of speculation about where I’m from and stuff like that because I have never really come out and say ‘I’m from this place’ yeah. I’m actually from Jamaica, my mom is from Jamaica.”

However, the crucial equalizer was a bit of a bittersweet moment for Munetsi, because he had to come off at halftime with a little knock, so he couldn't help the team go for the win. He is now set for the big game against Southampton next week. The Wolves is currently on position 16 with 23 points, 14 points ahead of bottom placed Southampton which is on position 20.

Reflecting on his contribution after the game, Munetsi expressed that Benjani is an inspiration to all Zimbabwean footballers, given his exploits with clubs like Portsmouth, Manchester City and Blackburn Rovers.

“It feels good. It’s been coming and I think in the last couple of games I had chances to score, but obviously in football you can never predict when you’re going to score,” Munetsi was quoted by  Soccer24 as saying after the game. 

This latest milestone showcases Zimbabwe’s football potential and serves as a motivation for aspiring players. The Warriors, as the Zimbabwe national football team is called, is set to compete in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), pitched against Egypt, Angola, and South Africa in the group stage. Their campaign begins on December 22 against Egypt, followed by Angola on December 26 and South Africa on December 29.

As Coach Michael Nees prepares to announce the Warriors squad for the upcoming qualifiers on March 12, Munetsi’s inclusion will be crucial. His leadership and experience offer Zimbabwe a strong chance in their quest for international success. The rise of this midfielder in the Premier League has given Zimbabwean fans renewed hope. If he can maintain his club form, Zimbabwe could be a formidable contender in the forthcoming AFCON and World Cup tourneys.

Credit: Farpost

Now that Munetsi has tasted success in the EPL, the next step for him will be to build on this momentum. His first goal in the Premier League is a stepping stone, but the real challenge lies in maintaining consistency, continuing to grow as a player, and helping Brighton achieve their long-term objectives.

He bears on his shoulders the hopes and aspirations of a nation. His success serves as an inspiration to young footballers in Zimbabwe and a reminder that with passion and perseverance, anything is possible. Marshall Munetsi’s story is a lesson for football authorities in Zimbabwe to prioritise the development of grassroots sports, improve coaching standards, and establish partnerships with international clubs and leagues. By doing so, they can create a pipeline of talent that will continue to raise the profile of Zimbabwean football on the global stage.