Ex-Orlando Pirates midfielder Marshall Munetsi made his first mark in the Premier League as Wolverhampton Wanderers beat Bournemouth on Saturday evening.
In this one, Munetsi, who switched to England’s elite league on the transfer window deadline, got his first start since arrival.
And for the second time, the 28-year-old has been deployed as a striker for Wolverhampton Wanderers, away from his preferred central midfield role. Last week against Liverpool, Munetsi played as a striker, as they lost 2-1.
EX-PIRATES MIDFIELDER MUNETSI PROVIDES ASSIST AS WOLVES BOUNCE BACK TO WINNING WAYS
Though it is an unfamiliar role, Munetsi has impressed with his height and constant pressing. He provided the assist for their only goal of the match to beat 10-man Bournemouth, 1-0. The goal was scored by Brazillian midfielder Matheus Cunha.
As a result, Wolves leapt to 17th position, with 19 points in 25 matches. This was Munetsi’s third match for Wolves. His first match was against Blackburn Rovers in an FA Cup 4th-round tie.
He was also on parade when they lost to Liverpool in what was his first EPL match. Munetsi joined the Premier League side after they paid over R400 million [€20 million] to his former club, French Ligue 1 side Stade Reims.
He still had two years remaining on his Stade Reims contract. Crucially, he was a deadline-day signing and was handed a three-and-a-half-year deal.
His contract includes an option to extend his contract by one year. This has been a major breakthrough for the Zimbabwean star after playing Ligue 1 football since 2019.
Munetsi became the second Zimbabwean player in Wolves’ books after striker Tawanda Chirewa.
It remains to be seen if his efforts will help the under-pressure Wolves turn the tables as they work to maintain their Premier League status.
He will hope to carry his good vein of form ahead of the forthcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
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