The ManicaPost
Ray Bande Senior Sports Reporter
FORGOTTEN Sakubva-born former Warriors’ goalkeeper, Washington Arubi, says he is not fazed by prospects of being offloaded by ABSA Premiership side, SuperSport United, and believes he still has five more years to showcase his talents between the sticks, Post Sport has learnt.
The 34-year-old former Dynamos, Highlanders and Lancashire Steel goalminder, who traces his roots to the dusty streets of Sakubva in Mutare, where he perfected his goalkeeping skills under the tutelage of veteran junior football coach, Timothy “Sicho” Masachi, is among the four players likely to be shown the exit door by SuperSport United at the end of the season.
SuperSport chief executive Stan Mathews told one of South Africa’s top sports magazine, Soccer Laduma, that the future of four of their players, Arubi included, hung in the balance.
“The fate of three or four players is in limbo. There are a handful of players in this situation – Thabo Qalinge, Thabo Mnyamane, Ndivhuwo Ravhulali and Washington Arubi. It’s a problem because they are waiting.
“Their contracts had option dates and can be extended next season. However, as clubs, we can only take that route based on what is happening on the field of play. Unfortunately, I have not seen enough. I had hoped to watch the players playing in the last six games. How then do I make a judgment call?
“We have not finished the season. I might finish third or sixth. Can the difference between finishing third or sixth cover the costs of renewing certain contracts? If we make it into the top four, it would be easier. If not, I might have to walk away.”
The Super Diski, just like other football leagues across the globe, has been halted by the Covid-19 global pandemic.
SuperSport has not played a match since March 8. Their last match was against Highlands Park.
For now, it is not clear when the season will resume, even though PSL is hopeful that they can complete the season by June 30.
Arubi’s survival at SuperSport hangs by a thread given the lack of game time he has endured in the two seasons he has been part of the club.
The soft-spoken former Warriors number one is yet to feature among the clubs’ first 11 since his surprise move to the club at the start of last season.
He has only featured on the team card as a substitute goalkeeper on 12 occasions.
But Arubi remains confident that he has what it takes to remain on SuperSport United’s books.
In fact, the former University of Pretoria goalkeeper believes he still has five more years to play at the highest level of the game.
“I cannot really comment on my future at SuperSport because I am still contracted to them. I believe I still have a lot to offer the club.
“However, I can assure you that I still have five more years of top-flight football action. I can still go that far. I have the energy, the zeal and the talent,” said Arubi in an interview from his South Africa base.
The former Dynamos shot-stopper said he yearns to be part of the Warriors squad once more.
“I think I also have something to offer to the national team. I have been there and I still want to be part of that team if given a chance. It will not be a big surprise to see me back in the national team. All I need is a bit of game time here to prove that I still have what it takes to be among the best goalkeepers in Zimbabwe,” said Arubi.
On lack of game time, Arubi said: “Yes, I have not been getting much game time here and it is all because of the competition at the club. It is tight. All the same, you need to be among the best and compete with the best for you to stay in shape.
“You do not need to be in a comfort zone where you dominate without any competition. I love the competition at SuperSport. It is just crucial to support the one playing so that the club gets good results,” he said.
After joining the great trek South of the Limpopo, Arubi found himself on the books of University of Pretoria in the ABSA Premiership before things turned ugly.
He then joined then third-tier side Alexander United.
He has also had a stint with the then National First Division side, Stellenbosch FC, before the surprise career-boosting move to SuperSport United FC.
