Munetsi earned the man of the match award for his display in The Warriors’ 1-1 draw at home to Dr Congo on Tuesday evening that saw the Group K leaders maintain their undefeated record in 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.
The 22-year-old central midfielder, who made his senior international debut just seven months ago, is enjoying his spell with the national team and gracefully welcomes his individual recognition.
“It was a team effort. We knew that the second leg was going to be much tougher than the first one, because they knew we were no longer push-overs,” said Munetsi.
“It was nice playing at home, it was my first time playing at the National Sports Stadium for the senior team, so it was a great privilege for me also to showcase my talent and help the team.”
The result against The Leopards was massive for Zimbabwe’s hopes of reaching their second successive AFCON finals tournament for the first time since 2006, and Munetsi explained how they overcame the challenge of their opponents and the pessimism from their own country.
“We knew we had a good team. Before, people [in Zimbabwe] underestimated us and the quality that we had, so we knew it was going to be a David vs Goliath match,” he added.
“We knew we just had to go there in the first leg and it was very important for us to get three points, and then at home we knew if we could at least get a point it was going to be okay for us. [On Tuesday] we did our best to get three points, but we were okay with the point.”
After struggling upon his return from a loan spell with Baroka in 2017, the former FC Cape Town youngster managed to break into the Bucs setup in the second half of last season, managing nine starts out of 14 appearances in all competitions.
However, his situation has since declined having made just two starts this season. But the burly enforcer is undeterred by his contrasting fortunes at club and national team level, as he patiently awaits his opportunity under coach Milutin Sredojevic.
“I think for me it is just to keep the focus, keep working hard and just wait for my opportunity. When it comes, I just have to grab it with both hands and make sure I don’t lose it,” Munetsi defended.
“I think last season I got my fair chance and I showcased what I could do, although I was playing most of my games as a centre-back, but getting to play more in the national team is showcasing my talent of being able to adapt to different positions.
“And I’m really grateful that the national team coach gave me this opportunity to play, although I haven’t been playing at club level.”