WASHINGTON Arubi is delighted to be recalled to the national team and says the Warriors are determined to make use of home advantage and collect maximum points against Guinea in the 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifier at Rufaro on Sunday.
BY TAWANDA TAFIRENYIKA
The Pretoria University goalkeeper did not play a part in the first match of the qualifier away to Malawi in June which the Warriors won 1-2.
He last played for the Warriors in the last qualifying campaign held in Gabon when the Warriors were under the guidance of Ian Gorowa.
Arubi arrived in the country on Tuesday evening after he was included in the squad to face Guinea by Kalisto Pasuwa and was among the South Africa-based players who took part in the afternoon training at the match venue yesterday. Mamelodi Sundowns trio of Cuthbert Malajila, Khama Billiat and Kuda Mahachi also participated in training, so did Arubi’s teammate Partson Jaure and Erick Chipeta,who is on the books of South Africa side Chippa United.
“I am happy to be back in the national team,” said Arubi. I am looking forward to the game. I really love my country and appreciate what the other goalkeepers have been doing for the national team.
Of course we are going to be together for a short time at training, but everyone is looking forward to the game on Sunday. What is important is for us to collect maximum points at home and then fight for a draw away and if we can win it will be a bonus. Guinea are a very good side, but we can’t afford to lose at home. We have to stamp our authority because Guinea will be like hungry lions after they lost in their first match against Swaziland. They will be looking for nothing short of victory,’ said Arubi.
The 29-year-old former Dynamos shot stopper now holds the record for most appearances for his South African club having played 96 of the 99 games that Tuks have played since his arrival in the club’s debut season in top-flight football.
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Arubi kept eight clean sheets in the 29 League matches he played last season with Pretoria University finishing 13th in the Absa Premiership standings.
He now takes over the number one position from Dynamos goalminder, Tatenda Mukuruva who kept goal for the Warriors in Malawi in June.
The Warriors share top spot in Group L with Swaziland, who stunned Guinea in the first match of the qualifier in June.
