Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WASHINGTON ARUBI literally threw himself into the welcoming hands of CAPS United fans who were chanting his name following his bow for the Green Machine at Chahwanda Stadium last Sunday.
Panicky marshals tried but failed to stop him from scaling the perimeter fence straight into the band of Makepekepe faithful who believe their team’s long-standing goalkeeping problems have found a solution in the Warriors’ shot-stopper.
The 41-year-old made a surprise move to CAPS United from South African Premiership side Marumo Gallants who were in middle of negotiations with him to renew his stay.
And four days later, he was making history by becoming the first goalkeeper to feature for all Zimbabwe’s traditional Big Three clubs Highlanders, Dynamos and CAPS United.
Before moving down south, Arubi had made his name at Highlanders and eventually played “The welcome is mind-blowing,” Arubi said.
“This is massive from CAPS United fans. I can see, feel and even touch the love.
“I am really humbled to have made history by becoming the first goalkeeper to play for all the Big Three.
“It’s something that I don’t take for granted. It’s so special.
“It’s good that I made my CAPS United debut in a thrilling encounter in which both teams played with a lot of swag and purpose.
“I am happy to be back home and to witness an environment like this is special, to be honest. I really love this atmosphere.”
Arubi was equally excited to play in Kwekwe again.
“Look, Kwekwe is my home. Remember, Lancashire Steel took me from Mutare and gave me a football scholarship here in Kwekwe,” he said.
“Essentially, that makes Kwekwe my home. I then made my Premiership debut here in Kwekwe. The town holds a special place in my heart.
“But the demise of Kwekwe looked to have all but evaporated the hopes of Kwekwe folks to witness Premiership football again.
“And for me to come back from South Africa and make my debut for CAPS United in such a magnificent stadium is something that will never easily escape my mind in the future.
“My return to my town has really been made so special.”
Outside sentiment, Arubi said his primary objective was to see CAPS United competing at the very top because they have everything a team needs in a competitive league like this.
He added: “I haven’t been playing in Zimbabwe for almost a decade-and-a-half.
“But the competition level is now up there. Almost every team has foreign players who are highly competitive.
“The quality in the league is top class. But as CAPS United, I think we are able to compete at the very top.
“I have seen enough quality in our changing room. The depth is there as well and the attitude is quite encouraging.”
