Orlando Pirates has confirmed that midfielder Marshall Munetsi is joining French outfit Stade de Reims.

The Zimbabwean international has now become the second Pirates player to move abroad this season after the departure of Lyle Foster, who made the switch to AS Monaco earlier this year.

Munetsi joined the Buccaneers from FC Cape Town back in 2016 before going out on loan to Baroka during that same season.

Upon his return a year later from his loan spell at Bakgaga, the versatile midfielder proved his worth to the club and cemented his place in the Buccaneer’ squad.

In one of his best campaigns for Pirates, the 22-year-old made 24 appearances during the 2018-19 season, while helping his side reach the Telkom Knockout final and into a second-place finish in the Absa Premiership.

Speaking about his departure to France, Munetsi said: ‘First and foremost, I would like to thank the chairman and management for all the support they have given me ever since I arrived at the club.’

‘I came here as a young boy, but now I leave as a man. I would also like to thank the coaches, my teammates and most importantly, the fans of this wonderful club for all the love and support they’ve shown me.

‘As I turn the page to a new chapter in my football career, I look forward to the new challenge this presents, but as I move forward I can never forget my roots… Once a Pirate always a Pirate.’