Former Orlando Pirates player and Wolves midfielder Marshall Munetsi has publicly expressed his disappointment after being left out of Zimbabwe’s final squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a development that later drew a detailed response from ZIFA and support from FIFPRO.
Munetsi was initially named in the provisional Warriors squad, but concerns emerged after he sustained a calf injury during Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest. When newly appointed head coach Marian Marinică announced his final selection, both Munetsi and experienced forward Khama Billiat were absent.
The Warriors captain later took to social media, describing the omission as painful. He claimed Wolves had informed ZIFA that he was recovering well and had even offered medical support to facilitate his participation. Munetsi said no follow-up communication was received, though he stressed that his support for the national team remains unwavering.
ZIFA subsequently issued a clarification, citing miscommunication and incomplete documentation. The association stated that while it maintained formal contact with both Wolves and Munetsi, the club did not submit a required written consent and liability waiver tied to insurance obligations under the FIFA Club Protection Programme. ZIFA explained that without this paperwork being finalised before CAF’s submission deadline, it was neither legally nor ethically possible to include Munetsi while he was still managing an injury.
Amid the controversy, FIFPRO publicly backed its member, responding to Munetsi’s statement with a message of solidarity: “We’re with you, Marshall.”
Beyond his role as a key Warriors leader, Munetsi is also a prominent figure in player representation. He serves on the FIFPRO Global Player Council and sits on the FIFPRO Africa Board, where he contributes to continental discussions on player welfare, rights and governance.