Former Zimbabwe assistant coach Kaitano Tembo has welcomed the return of Marshall Munetsi to the Warriors setup, describing the midfielder as the ideal leader for the next generation of national team players.

Speaking to FARPost, Tembo said experienced players such as Munetsi will play a crucial role in guiding the emerging crop of talent in the Zimbabwe squad.

“And at the same time, we need senior players to guide these youngsters. Hence, we’ve got Munetsi’s return. I’m excited because he’s the example we need. What he brings is known, and he brings leadership beyond the dressing room,” Tembo told the publication.

Tembo also highlighted the importance of building a balanced squad that combines youth and experience, pointing to several Zimbabwean players competing abroad at a high level.

“We have got Gerald Takwara. Also, we have players like Munashe Garananga [for Hibernian FC in Scotland] playing at a higher level. So we need to create that balance,” he added.

Munetsi’s return was confirmed in the Warriors squad announced last that will face Nigeria in the Unity Cup in London.

The midfielder, who currently plies his trade at Paris FC, had been a notable absentee in the Warriors squad in recent assignments, sparking questions about his international future.