‘I begged them to release him..’: Micho reflects on Munetsi’s switch to Reims
Former Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojević has detailed what it took for Marshall Munetsi to switch to Ligue 1 side Stade de Reims.
The Zimbabwe international became the third Pirates player to leave for Europe in recent times after Kermit Erasmus and Lyle Foster.
That was after joining the Soweto giants as a 22-year-old from FC Cape Town back in 2016. He was instantly loaned out to Baroka FC to gain experience.
Upon return, Munetsi sadly had a frosty relationship with Pirates’ supporters as he was constantly criticised. However, he remained grounded as the then-coach, Micho Sredojevic, continued to show faith in him.
The Warriors vice-captain found himself deployed as a right-back instead of his favourite central midfield role.
And when the opportunity to join Stade Reims in France was availed, it took a lot for him to be released by Pirates.
WHAT THE FORMER PIRATES COACH SAID ABOUT MARSHALL MUNETSI
In a interview with FARPost, coach Micho detailed what it took for the Soweto giants to give a nod for the move to happen.
The former Orlando Pirates coach said: “He is a soldier. Marshall fought so many battles, some of which people don’t know. It’s never easy to move all the way from Zimbabwe to try his luck in South Africa.
“He came to Pirates, we spent some time together, and I know, and I understand him. Whatever he has achieved today is because he worked hard for it. He remained humble.
“At Pirates, there was a time when he was sidelined despite being a utility player. But he remained focused on doing better.
“And when the offer from Stade Reims came, it was not easy at all for him. You know it’s not easy for Pirates to release a player. He wanted the move, I wanted him to move but they planned to loan him again. There was a deadlock.
“That kind of chance only comes once in a lifetime. As a result, I went to beg them to release him so that he can carry on with his career. I had to put in the effort so that he could rise and be better.
” Like I said, everything about his football career is due to his hard work. He worked for everything. I won’t be suprised if he moves to England. He is one person that knows his struggles hence he endures,” Sredojević told FARPost.
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