How young African players are being preyed upon by fake agents promising stardom

Martin Macdonald

• 17 Oct 2025 09:01 CDT
• 2 min read

News

Wolves and Zimbabwe international midfielder Marshall Munetsi has revealed details on a "crisis" emerging in African football that involves scammer agents.

According to Munetsi, scammers are setting up fake businesses and fake social media profiles to entice young players to give them commission with the promise of getting trials with clubs in Europe.

"It's more than a crisis [in Africa]," he told host Joe Hart on Footballers Unfiltered.

"A person might create a social media account, come to Europe, watch a game, take a picture with a player, then put that picture on their profile and write they're a football agent. A lot of people then end up paying money to that agent with promises of going to Europe.

"I'm talking about guys who are playing for top teams in Africa that were also scammed. It's a big problem that needs to get real attention.

"I had three guys who came to France when I was at Reims asking for accommodation because an agent had promised them some trials in Europe, and then they were just stuck at the airport when they got there. Nobody was there."

The Zimbabwe captain wants stricter regulation when it comes to creating agencies, and believes football authorities need to educate young players about the crisis.

"The system has to protect these young players," he continued. "They just want a chance, but some people are turning their dreams into a business."

On the podcast with Hart, Munetsi speaks about his desire to improve the game in Africa and to try and inspire young people as much as he can.

That starts with ensuring African football fans have as much access as possible to the beautiful game.

"I think there’s a lot of work to be done in Africa," the midfielder explained.

"I think this is also my main aim, to go back home and to try and make a lot of changes.

"Because, as you know, now in Africa, a lot of countries are playing their home games outside of their countries.

"Imagine England playing their home game in France.

"So, those are some of the things, we really need to address them and let each and every country do their best to host their games at home and let the people enjoy the beautiful game.

"Because, without them, I think it would be nothing."

The 29-year-old signed for Wolves from Reims in the 2025 winter transfer window.

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