Online Reporter
Eddie Chikamhi, Blessing Malinganiza-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE international Washington Arubi has boldly backed the Warriors to return to the glory days after years of inconsistency.
His statement comes ahead of the Warriors’ World Cup Qualifiers against South Africa and Lesotho, matches they are playing for pride.
Despite being out of the race for the World Cup ticket, the Zimbabwe showdown with South Africa in particular, offers bragging rights.
The Marumo Gallants shot-stopper believes the Limpopo Derby offers more, and the rivalry is real. For South Africa, this, however, is more than a match against a rival but a must-win encounter as they try to mend their campaign and qualify for the FIFA 2026 World Cup finals.
“We are already in camp and looking forward to the big game on Friday. It’s a Southern African derby, so we are going to work hard every day to ensure we get a positive result for the nation,” said Arubi.
The goalkeeper said they are aware these final matches are not about points but about pride, momentum and the foundation ahead of the AFCON finals in December.
“Since the day I was called back to the team, my focus has been on advising this great group of youngsters.
“I have been encouraging them to help take the nation back to where we belong, and that’s what we are working towards.
“I am proud and confident that Zimbabwean football will be great again.”
Arubi, who turned 40 in August, said he hasn’t been thinking about hanging up his gloves but is focusing on his current status.
“To be honest, I’m not thinking that far ahead. I am just taking each day as it comes, continuing to work hard, challenge myself, and improve in every aspect I can.”
Arubi headed to the national team camp after inspiring his team Marumo Gallants in a penalty shoot-out against Mamelodi Sundowns, where he saved three penalties before slotting home the winning penalty.
“It was a great game, and I really enjoyed it. This victory came down to a positive mindset, belief and the hard work I have been putting in day in and day out.
“I have been doing extra training sessions outside of our team practices to improve. For the penalty, I knew I had to take it and finish what I started,” he said.
“It feels great, and I have to appreciate my teammates for all their effort. Everyone has been working hard to push the club forward and get us to the next round.”
The Warriors had a full training yesterday with almost all players in camp. Warriors coach Michael Nees kicked off the preparations with a group of local and South Africa-based players.
By end of the day he had received the majority of his contingent from England with the exception of the Wolverhampton Wanderers duo of Marshall Munetsi and Tawanda Chirewa.
The pair is expected to join the squad in the morning today.
Meanwhile, South Africa are not leaving anything to chance and yesterday they added Kaizer Chiefs attacking midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala into the squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
According to Soccer Laduma, Shabalala, who was initially in the preliminary squad, has now been called up as a replacement for Orlando Pirates attacker Relebohile Mofokeng, who picked up an injury over the weekend in the Carling Knock-out.
Shabalala was part of the last Bafana squad that played in the qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria but did not get an opportunity to feature in these matches.
“We had to replace Rele Mofokeng because of the injury he got on Saturday,” Broos told media at a press conference held at Dobsonville Stadium yesterday, ahead of Bafana Bafana’s first training session.
Only two players, Lyle Foster and Sphephelo Sithole missed the first day of training but they are expected to be part of the team this morning.
“There are two players who have not arrived, that’s (Lyle) Foster and (Sphephelo) Sithole. They will arrive tomorrow (Tuesday),” SA coach Hugo Broos said.
