Online Reporter
Monalisa John
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WASHINGTON Arubi made an emotional return to his home town of Mutare for the first time in over a decade and left with some fine memories at the weekend.
The veteran goalkeeper, who is now on the books of CAPS United, grew up in the scenic Eastern Highlands city.
He managed to maintain a clean sheet, his second in a row, as the Green Machine beat Manica Diamonds 2-0 at Sakubva.
“I feel happy to be back where I grew up and I really appreciate everyone who managed to come and support both teams,” Arubi told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“Both teams managed to give it their all but, at the end of the day, we managed to come up victorious, which we were looking for.
“We are going to take this game as a confidence-boost and try to keep the momentum.”
Arubi joined CAPS United from South Africa as he sealed a return to the domestic Premiership after more than a decade away.
He arrives at CAPS United not just as an experienced player, but as a leader.
CAPS United had not won a game in six matches, drawing five and losing one, before their victory in Mutare.
“I think it was a mental thing, you know when results are not coming sometimes some of the guys may feel a bit down but we kept on talking and kept on motivating each other,” he said.
“We kept on encouraging each other that results will come our way and this time we managed to turn the tables.”
“We are going to take this result and keep going and keep on working hard every day and every second.”
CAPS United are now ten points behind Scottland, having gained three points on the two leading sides – the champions and Hardrock, who both lost at the weekend.
The Green Machine are unbeaten since Arubi arrived with their 3-3 draw against Hardrock at Chahwanda arguably the best game of the season.
Arubi has brought the calmness, and authority, in defence, which was lacking when the error-prone Wallace Magalane was the first choice.
