The ManicaPost
Moffat Mungazi
Sports Correspondent
NOMADIC seasoned shot-stopper — Washington Arubi — has set sights on making history with South African Premiership newboys Tshakhuma TshaMadzivhandila (TTM) by helping to establish them as a competitive force challenging for silverware.
The Mutare-born star was unveiled as one of the high profile new arrivals among the nearly two dozen recruits signed by TTM at the start of this season.
He has quickly established himself as the club’s first choice goal minder after playing in all of the club’s five league starts so far.
An unused substitute in the 2-3 defeat to SuperSport United in the NTN8 Cup quarter-finals, the former Warriors number one is enjoying a new lease of life following the switch.
TTM gate-crashed into the elite league after buying Bidvest Wits’ franchise.
They will be banking on Arubi’s experience to make their presence felt and have staying power among the big boys of the game.
The former Highlanders and Dynamos goalie feels up to the task.
“This is a new page I have just turned in the history I am writing with my career. I am happy here. I was warmly welcomed the day I walked in and I feel at home. We may not make an instant impact during our mission, but the desire is to leave a lasting impression.
“Together we will enjoy this journey we have just embarked on. As one of the senior players around, I am keen to make my contribution count by making a difference for the club. I have inked an initial two-year deal and hope to earn an extension after good performances,” said the 35-year-old from his Limpopo base.
Arubi is relishing his return into the limelight after seeing little action at SuperSport United when he went down the pecking order. SuperSports United subsequently released him.
That he has been named TTM’s vice-captain shows how much the club are relying on him in their quest for glory.
“When my contract at SuperSport United ran out, I decided to move on and seek a new challenge. My body tells me I still have something to offer on the field of play. I feel revitalised and keen to be a positive influence in this group. As a team, we want to go far.
“Being named one of the club captains carries loads of responsibilities and I hope to repay the faith that the club has shown in me. My experience will help the other boys cope well at this level of the game. I have come a long way with other clubs. Despite being newcomers, I believe my team has what it takes to stand the heat and hold its own,” said Arubi.
The Sakubva-bred star is confident that his team will improve on their promising start to the season. He reckons consistency is key for a triumphant cause.
TTM presently occupy ninth position after posting one victory, three draws and a loss in five league games.
Said the veteran footballer: “Being a regular starter is important for me in order to return to the top of my game. Given that this is only our debut campaign, it requires fine form so that we achieve our goals. We are very clear on what we are chasing and will give it our best shots.”
The ex-Lancashire Steel goalkeeper has managed two shut outs in five league starts, keeping a clean sheet against reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns in an away 0-0 stalemate.
After making history with his earlier club — University of Pretoria (AmaTuks) —when he became the first player to reach 100 games for the team he had joined in 2013 from DeMbare, Arubi is dreaming of bigger things.
He recently told Post Sport that he is yearning to bounce back into the Warriors fold.
At Tshakhuma TshaMadzivhandila, Arubi is playing alongside fellow Zimbabweans, including defender Carlington Nyadombo and midfielder Farai Madhanhanga.
