FORMER Dynamos goalkeeper Washington Arubi is revelling in a wave of success in South Africa where his team has made a dream start in the league campaign.
Report by Henry Mhara
The Pretoria University keeper has shrugged off competition from three other goalkeepers to claim the number one shirt and has already settled into the system, not long after he joined.
Arubi joined “Tuks” from league champions Dynamos last August and was immediately thrust into the first team.
“It’s rare for goalkeepers to be noticed, but thank God I managed to impress and convince Tuks to sign me. There are four goalkeepers, but the coaches have shown great faith in me and in my opinion, I have not disappointed them.”
“There is great competition for the position, but that keeps me going because I don’t have time to relax,” Arubi told NewsDay Sport from his South African base yesterday.
The 26-year-old has made five starts for his side and conceded three goals, a record only equalled by Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana number one goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune in the new season.
He kept three clean sheets against Golden Arrows, Supersport and Platinum Stars, as the University side made a storming start to their league campaign.
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The only time Arubi was breached was in Tuks’ 3-2 away win over Moroka Swallows and in the 5-1 thrashing of Khama Billiat’s Ajax Cape Town last weekend.
The team is currently seated on second position, just four points behind log leaders Kaizer Chiefs.
“The season is still young, but we have done absolutely well for a team coming from Division One. We need to keep on working hard and keep the concentration levels high until the season ends,” said Arubi.
Arubi will face his stiffest test so far when his side host Takesure Chinyama’s Orlando Pirates at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Sunday.
“I have played in some big matches back home. Games against Caps United and Highlanders were always tense and I don’t think it will be any different,” he said.
Arubi has been suspended from playing for the Warriors after he was fingered in the Asiagate match-fixing scandal.
