Former Orlando Pirates midfielder extends stay in France

A highly-rated former Orlando Pirates midfield grafter has extended his stay in the French Ligue 1, dampening all chances of a move to England.

The Zimbabwean international signed for the modest French outfit in 2019 from the Buccaneers. His current contract was supposed to end in 2026.

However, due to the 26-year-old’s sterling performances, the club opted to extend his stay in the French Ligue 1.

The former Orlando Pirates and Baroka midfield grafter Marshall Munetsi has extended his stay at Stade de Reims until 2027.

WHAT STADE DE REIMS SAID ABOUT MARSHALL MUNETSI

The Mabvuku-born midfielfer grafter, Marshall Munetsi has been so good that he attracted the interests of English clubs.

The French Ligue 1 club, Stade de Reims confirmed Marshall Munetsi’s contract extension via their website.

“1273 kilometres on the clock, and it’s not about to stop. The tireless midfielder is extending his adventure at Stade de Reims for another year. It is now linked with the Stade de Reims until 2027,” reads the club statement.

“One kilometer on foot wears out your shoes, not for Marshall Munetsi, known for his exceptional athletic qualities.

“He is again the second outfield player to have traveled the greatest distance in a Ligue 1 Uber Eats match [13.7 km].

“Marshall has been able, over the seasons, to expand his technical palette and sharpen his sense of goal.”

MARSHAL MUNETSI’S IMPRESSIVE STATISTICS

Munetsi has featured in 26 French Ligue 1 matches where he contributed six goals and three assists.

“The midfielder has also scored 6 goals and 3 assists this season in the league. Proof of his versatility and reliability.

“He who was once used as a central defender by David Guion and Oscar Garci is now brilliantly illustrated as an attacking midfielder, or high point of a midfielder at 3.

“Associated with Azor Matusiwa and Dion Lopy with whom he forms one of the most complementary midfield in Ligue 1.

“Marshy [as his teammates call him] is perhaps having his most successful season.

“His sense of sacrifice, his communicative generosity. Moreso he is exemplarity on and off the pitch to make him one of the leaders of the Reims locker room,” the club added.

Munetsi has even been exceptional off the field of play. He gives 10 percent of his income to the needy.

The former Baroka hardman donates part of his salary to over 60 children back in his native home Zimbabwe.

Munetsi, the Warriors strongman revealed this plausible act recently in the French media.

Meanwhile he has been at the forefront of lobbying Zimbabwean authorities to consider the plight of footballers amid the FIFA ban.

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