adminJOHANNEBURG. – Washington Arubi is the last Zimbabwean standing in the two CAF inter-club competitions after playing a massive role to help Marumo Gallants reach the Confederation Cup semi-finals.
Marumo outwitted Egyptian side Pyramids 1-0 at the weekend to write a new piece of history for the club, something which Arubi had been craving for.
The unfashionable side have US$750 000 guaranteed for reaching the last four.
If they go past Young Africans of Tanzania, they could potentially earn US$1 million if they finish as runners-up.
Should they win the competition, the prize would be US$2 million.
The country’s football mother body is paid 5% of the two club’s earnings.
Captain Arubi was one of the standout performers, as he kept Pyramids attackers at bay.
“We fought hard for this. As a team, we have shown character because, despite the challenges we face, everyone is fighting hard to help the team win,” Arubi said.
“The strikers have been scoring.
“We have been keeping clean sheets. Everyone has tried to balance the assignments we have.
“Continental competitions come with their own challenges, but we have managed to rise.
“That alone is enough to make us happy and hope to go past the next challenge.”
Before Marumo Gallants, Arubi played in continental club competitions with Zimbabwe’s Dynamos.
But he never reached the semi-finals.
As Marumo Gallents excel on the African Safari, they have more work waiting for them in the DStv Premiership.
After 27 rounds of matches, Marumo Gallants are 14th on the log standings with 28 points on their tally.
They are just two points above Chippa United, who are 15th, a position that means they will go for relegation play-offs.
Simply put, Gallants must win all the remaining matches in order to preserve their SA PSL status. – FARPost
Online Reporter