Online Reporter
WITH 22 years of sweat and dedication etched into his footballing DNA, goalkeeper Washington Arubi is poised to script a chapter in African Cup of Nations football history, proving age is just a number when passion and purpose converge.
Barring any changes, Arubi will guard Zimbabwe’s goals at the 2025 AFCON at the age of 40, a feat achieved by retired Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary.
It’s a milestone that Arubi attributes to sacrifice and dedication, qualities that have defined his remarkable career.
He has played for the now defunct Lancashire Steel, Dynamos and Highlanders in Zimbabwe before moving to the South African Premier Soccer League.
In the South African top-flight, the veteran ’keeper has played for Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, AmaTuks and SuperSport United.
Arubi made his debut for Zimbabwe in August 2005 and was called up to feature in the COSAFA Cup, AFCON qualifiers and FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
He has so far garnered 30 caps for the Warriors.
Despite Zimbabwe qualifying for the AFCON five times during his career, the Marumo Gallants goalkeeper was overlooked for the continental extravaganza on all those occasions.
The Warriors made their Nations Cup in 2004 at the tournament in Tunisia and then coach Sunday Chidzambwa had Energy Murambadoro, Tapuwa Kapini and Ephraim Mazarura as his goalkeepers.
In fact, on all the occasions that the Warriors have been to the AFCON they have exited at the first round in 2006 and again in 2017, 2019, and 2021.
But Arubi’s time seems to have finally come, and he opened up to FARPost about his excitement to make his debut at the 2025 tournament in Morocco next month.
Zimbabwe are in Group B with Bafana Bafana of South, Angola and record eight-time African champions Egypt.
“It’s quite a remarkable achievement to have reached this level while still feeling strong and active, and to top it all off, representing my country at Africa’s biggest stage,” Arubi said.
“Considering most of my peers are already feeling tired and wanting to retire by the time they reach 30, my situation is, by the grace of God, quite different. I can proudly say I’m favoured, because not many people my age manage to be in line for a stage like AFCON, so I’m more than grateful,” he added.
Arubi’s longevity is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the sport.
When asked how he has managed to keep himself in commendable shape for a career that has spanned two decades, he replied: “My secret is simple: you only need three things to get to this level — sacrifice, discipline and hard work.
“Yes, divine intervention is included, but let’s be honest, God rewards us, but it’s better to meet him halfway. You do the work physically, and he rewards spiritually.
“My advice to aspiring young footballers is that nothing comes easy; you have to work for it. Yes, you may be favoured, but favour alone isn’t enough without putting in the effort.
“As you work, you gain experience and exposure.
“Along the way, you make mistakes, but what makes you better is rectifying those mistakes. That’s the advice I can give to young, aspiring goalkeepers determined to make it in this line of duty,” added Arubi.
Recently sacked Warriors coach Michael Nees had put all his trust in Arubi’s hands, repeatedly telling the media and anyone who cared to listen to him that there was no debate about his first-choice goalkeeping position.
Nees had argued that barring injury or suspension, Arubi would guard goal with Elvis Chipezeze of Majesi recently having forced his way back into the Warriors reckoning as second choice and ahead of MWOS’ Martin Mapisa, who is third in the pecking order.
Now with Nees gone, having been fired by ZIFA, Arubi will have to convince incoming Romanian gaffer Marian “Mario’’ Marinica that the Warriors’ will continue to be safe with his hands. — Zimpapers Sports Hub/farpost.co.za
