Former Bucs Midfielder Wins Award In Europe

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Marshall Munetsi has received special recognition by the Ligue 1 during the league’s awards gala.

Stade de Reims recently extended the contract of the Zimbabwean international, who joined Pirates from Baroka in 2017, but left the Buccaneers after just two seasons to complete his move to Reims.

At Reims he has played a staring role, in particular this season, netting a career-high seven goals and setting up three more.

His new deal includes a special clause which will see the club donate €100 (R2,100) for every kilometre he covers on the field to the Marshall Munetsi foundation, which provides access to education for children from underprivileged communities. 

After his latest initiative saw him receive a letter of thanks by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Munetsi was now also honoured at Sunday’s Ligue 1 award, receiving the UNFP Citizenship award.

“With his foundation, Marshall Munetsi changes life destinies for generations, fights against forced marriages and drugs in his country. He won the UNFP Citizen Player Trophy for all the battles he led with conviction,” a statement read.

Munetsi himself took to social media to express his gratitude for receiving the special award on Sunday evening.

“I am very honoured to receive this amazing award from the UNFP,” he wrote.

“I would like to thank my club Stade De Reims for offering a platform to assist the underprivileged through the  Marshall Munetsi Foundation.

“A special thanks to Wasserman Football (his agency) for their amazing work.”

Image credit: Marshall Munetsi