Munetsi Backs New Wolves Boss as Watford Target Zemura

Zimbabwe Warriors stars Marshall Munetsi and Jordan Zemura are making headlines ahead of the new European football season, with Munetsi praising new Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Cesar Peixoto while reports in England link Zemura with a return to the English game. The developments come as both Zimbabwe internationals prepare for crucial campaigns that could shape their club careers and boost the Warriors ahead of upcoming international fixtures.

Munetsi has thrown his support behind Wolves' new manager, saying the Portuguese coach has injected fresh energy into the squad during pre-season. Speaking to the club's media team, the Zimbabwe midfielder said players have responded positively to Peixoto's demanding training sessions as the club prepares for the new Championship campaign.

"The new manager has come in with a lot of fire, and it's been seen with the training sessions. Everybody's really working hard to make sure that when the season starts we'll be ready to put this club back where it deserves," Munetsi said.

The Warriors midfielder revealed that he was already familiar with Peixoto's coaching philosophy from the coach's time in Portugal, where he managed two of Munetsi's former teammates.

According to Munetsi, the Portuguese tactician's emphasis on intensity, discipline and teamwork makes him well suited to lead Wolves' bid for promotion back to the Premier League.

"The way he plays, there's a lot of intensity – a lot of energy comes from his team, and this is exactly what we need in the Championship," he said.

Munetsi added that players are already beginning to understand the coach's tactical approach.

"You can already feel the energy that he has, putting things into place that will put us in a better position to win games. You can see his game model, his plans, how he wants the team to be connected, the discipline, and everything that you need as a team to progress."

Watford linked with Zemura move

Meanwhile, fellow Zimbabwe international Jordan Zemura has emerged as a reported transfer target for English Championship side Watford. According to the Watford Observer, the Hornets are in discussions with Italian Serie A club Udinese over a possible deal for the 26-year-old left-back as part of their squad rebuild.

The report says Watford are also pursuing Spanish striker Iker Bravo from Udinese after completing the signing of right-back Omar Traore. Zemura was reportedly close to joining Watford during the January transfer window, but the move did not materialise after then-manager Javi Gracia opted for a different option.

A move to Vicarage Road would see Zemura return to English football after leaving AFC Bournemouth for Udinese in 2023 following the expiry of his contract. The Zimbabwe defender began his football development in the youth systems of Queens Park Rangers and Charlton Athletic before making his breakthrough at Bournemouth, where he progressed to the Premier League. Since joining Udinese, Zemura has established himself in Serie A while remaining a regular member of the Zimbabwe national team.

Should the transfer be completed, he would become another high-profile Warriors player competing in the English Championship, potentially joining Munetsi in one of Europe's most competitive leagues. Neither Watford nor Udinese had officially confirmed negotiations at the time of publication.

Marshall Munetsi and Jordan Zemura