BY ENOCK MUCHINJO
HARARE – Bruce Grobbelaar has backed fellow countryman Marshall Munetsi to prove a success in the English Premier League after the Zimbabwe international signed for Wolverhampton Wanderers last week.
The 28-year-old midfielder joined Wolves on January window deadline on an initial three-and-a-half-year deal from French top-flight side Reims.
“He has the engine, the tenacity, and the intelligence to thrive,” former Zimbabwe goalkeeper Grobbelaar told SportsCast on Saturday.
“I fully expect him to play an important role in Wolves’ season. Adjusting to the Premier League is (however) never easy, but given his experience in European football and his professional attitude, I am confident he will adapt quickly. Marshall is a player I’ve followed with great admiration. His journey from playing in South Africa to making a significant impact in France with Stade de Reims speaks volumes about his dedication and talent. He’s a versatile midfielder, known for his defensive solidity, ability to break up play, and contribute to attacking transition. His physical presence and tactical intelligence make him a formidable opponent in midfield. Beyond his on-field abilities, Marshall is also recognised for his leadership qualities, having captained Reims on several occasions. His move to England is well deserved, and I believe he will relish the challenge of competing in one of the toughest leagues in the world.”
Munetsi will become the fifth Zimbabwean homegrown player in the history of the Premier League, with Liverpool legend Grobbelaar and former Warriors captain Peter Ndlovu having blazed a tail.
“Zimbabwe has a rich history of producing exceptional footballers,” said Grobbelaar, who won six league titles and a single European Cup with Liverpool.
“Myself and Peter Ndlovu paved the way as the first to play in the Premier League, showcasing the skill and potential of Zimbabwean players. Benjani Mwaruwari further highlighted this with his performances for clubs like Portsmouth and Manchester City. Marvelous Nakamba has represented Zimbabwe at the highest level with Aston Villa.”
Fullback Brendan Galloway – born in Harare and raised in England – as well as UK-born winger Tawanda Chirewa, are the other Zimbabwe internationals who have had a taste of Premier League football.
Grobbelaar reckons that despite the players’ difference in upbringing, the consistent presence in the Premier League of footballers of Zimbabwean heritage says something about the country’s sporting genes.
“It underscores the continuous emergence of Zimbabwean talent on the global stage,” Grobbelaar remarked.
“This lineage of players reflects the depth of footballing prowess in Zimbabwe and serves as an inspiration for future generations. The raw talent has always been there, what’s needed is the right infrastructure and development pathways to ensure more Zimbabwean footballers reach the very top.”
