MARSHALL Munetsi’s stock at Stade Reims continues to rise after he was yesterday named the vice-captain of the French Ligue 1 outfit for the 2024/25 season.
The Warriors star has shone brightest for the club since arriving from Orlando Pirates in 2019, making 129 appearances and scoring a total 17 goals.
He initially signed a four-year contract, which was extended last year and will now lapse in 2027.
The club has acknowledged his immense contribution by appointing him the vice-captain of the team, a role he also plays in the national team set-up.
He will deputise Malta international Teddy Teuma, who has been handed the armband.
Stade Reims announced the new captaincy set-up on their official website yesterday.
“Teddy Teuma, a leader by word, now becomes one by his status. With a core of experienced players around him, he will be able to guide the team effectively,” the club said.
“Marshall Munetsi, recognised for his key role in the integration of young people and the cohesion of the group, will continue to occupy a central place in the Stade Reims locker room. Emmanuel Agbadou and Yehvann Diouf assert themselves, for their part, as new pillars of the collective.”
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Teuma, who is taking over from Yunis Abdelhamid, was happy to share the leadership role with Munetsi.
“It is a source of pride and joy to wear this armband. It is part of what I want to build with the club. I want to be the captain that Stade de Reims deserves,” he said.
“I don’t claim to replace Yunis and I don’t intend to do so. There are several leaders in the locker room, including Marshall, Yehvann and Agba. Our goal is to support the youngsters and pull the whole group up.”
Ligue 1 action kicks off tomorrow, but Stade Reims begin their new campaign on Saturday with a clash against Lille.
The 28-year-old Munetsi enjoys a cordial relationship with his club, which donated US$32 637 to his foundation at the end of last season.
Reims paid the money as part of its contractual obligation with the midfielder.
The club donates €100 to the Marshall Munetsi Foundation for every kilometre run by the Mabvuku-bred player in an official match.
The clause was agreed in June last year when he extended his stay at Reims to 2027.
Munetsi, who has featured in all of the Warriors’ last four matches in the World Cup qualifiers, is set to lead Zimbabwe in next month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
He wears the Warriors captain armband in the absence of Marvelous Nakamba, who is recovering from a long-term injury.
Zimbabwe are away to Kenya in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Group J opener on September 6, before facing off with Cameroon four days later.
Kenya will host the Warriors in Uganda since they, just like Zimbabwe, don’t have a Caf-certified stadium to stage international matches.
Zifa is yet to decide a venue where they will play their home match against Cameroon, with Uganda and South Africa being considered.
