‘People always thought l was a defender…’: ex-Pirates star opens up
A former Orlando Pirates star has spoken about how he was forced to play in an uncomfortable position to fit coach Milutin Sredojević’s play.
The Zimbabwean international spent four years in the books of Orlando Pirates, though he was loaned to Baroka FC at some point.
Central midfielder Marshall Munetsi was often deployed as a right-back or centre-back to fit coach Milutin Sredojević’s play.
Munetsi admitted he felt uncomfortable being deployed as a defender, away from his favourite central midfield role.
MUNETSI SPEAKS ON THE UNCOMFORTABLE ROLE HE PLAYED AT PIRATES
“Orlando Pirates contributed immensely to the player that l am today because of the facilities they have,” Munetsi told FARPost.
“The coaching staff that is there and also the supporters that push and cheer for you in each and every game. That time Coach Micho was there, l was forced to play in a position l wasn’t comfortable with. But when you are a young player, and you want to give your best for the team, you will be willing to make that sacrifice and play in any position the coach wants you to play.
“A lot of people always thought l was a defender. But that only started at Orlando Pirates under coach Micho and coach Rulani.”
Munetsi left the Sea Robbers in 2019 as a free agent to join French Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims. He rose in South African football after moving to lower-tier league side FC Cape Town in 2015.
THE SWITCH FROM FC CAPETOWN TO PIRATES
The 27-year-old spent one year at FC Cape Town before signing for Pirates ahead of the 2016/17 season.
“l was given the opportunity to be assessed at Pirates whilst l was playing for FC Cape Town. During that time, Mr Errol Dicks and Mr John Comitis were the co-owners of FC Cape Town.
“They facilitated a process in which Pirates were happy with what they saw in me. I immediately signed with them during my first season at FC Cape Town.
“The feeling of playing for Pirates is big, and when each and every young player goes there, it elevates their game to meet the standards of winning required by downing that black jersey.
“I was honoured when they wanted to sign me, and it meant the world to me to represent that great club,” he added.
Munetsi spent some time on loan to Baroka FC, where convinced the Buccaneers to recall him to join their first team.
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