HARARE – Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Marshall Munetsi has been left out of Zimbabwe’s final squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, despite insisting he is fully fit for the tournament.
New coach Marian Marinica named the travelling team on Tuesday for the competition, which will run in Morocco from Dec. 21 to Jan. 18. Munetsi’s omission was the biggest surprise of the announcement.
The midfielder later voiced his disappointment, saying he had made major personal sacrifices during the qualifiers.
He revealed he had travelled to represent Zimbabwe even after leaving his wife in hospital following a miscarriage — an experience he described as devastating for both of them.
Munetsi said his club, Wolves, had informed Zimbabwean officials that he was recovering well from a recent injury and had offered medical support to ensure he could play at AFCON, but he received no follow-up communication.
“Representing the Warriors has always been a dream,” he said in a statement. “While I’m hurt, my support for the national team remains strong. I respect the coach’s decisions and stand behind the boys wholeheartedly.”
Below is Marshall Munetsi statement in full
“This one hurts, as representing the Warriors has always been a dream, and wearing our colours is the greatest honour of my career. AFCON would have even been more significant.
“I had a injury recently, but my club, Wolves, communicated with the association that I was recovering well and even offered medical support to ensure that I could participate at the AFCON.
“Unfortunately, I received no follow-up communication, and decisions were made without clarity-speculation which wasn’t the case.
“While I’m hurt, my unwavering support for the national team remains strong. I respect the coach’s decisions and stand behind the boys wholeheartedly. I will always be ready to defend the nation I love. Go Warriors, go!”
