Derby opponents Zim set to lose their best player for clash against Bafana Bafana
South Africa have been handed a major boost ahead of their AFCON 2025 “derby” showdown with neighbours Zimbabwe, with the Warriors’ most influential player Marshall Munetsi now expected to miss the tournament through injury.
Wolverhampton Wanderers coach Rob Edwards delivered the bombshell on Monday, confirming that the Premier League midfielder faces at least six weeks on the sidelines after picking up a calf injury during a league outing against Nottingham Forest last week.
Munetsi was hurt only minutes after coming on as an 85th-minute substitute, and fresh scans now suggest the damage is more serious than first feared — effectively ruling him out of the continental showpiece that begins 21 December in Morocco.
Speaking to The Express & Star after Wolves’ 4–1 loss to Manchester United, Edwards said:
“It’ll be weeks, I don’t know how many at the moment, but at the moment it’s looking like at least six weeks, I think.”
Huge setback for Zimbabwe — and a boost for Bafana
Munetsi is widely regarded as Zimbabwe’s heartbeat in midfield, offering elite ball-winning ability, leadership, and physical presence. His absence comes as Zimbabwe prepare to face Bafana Bafana in their decisive Group B clash on 29 December in Marrakesh.
For South Africa, the timing dramatically shifts the balance of the midfield battle in their favour, especially with Hugo Broos planning to dominate transitions and second balls — areas where Munetsi usually excels.
Warriors final squad imminent
The Warriors are expected to announce their final 23-man AFCON squad this week, but they will now do so without their most decorated Europe-based star — a massive blow to their hopes of progressing from a tough group featuring South Africa, Egypt and Angola.