Washington Arubi is a Zimbabwean professional footballer who has established himself as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the Premier Soccer League. Born on August 29, 1985, in Norton, Zimbabwe, Arubi started his career with Lancashire Steel, where he played 29 matches before moving on to other clubs, including Highlanders, Bantu Rovers, and Dynamos.
Arubi’s career has been marked by steady improvement and consistent performances. He has become known for his quick reflexes, excellent shot-stopping abilities, and commanding presence in the box. His performances have earned him the respect of fans, coaches, and fellow players alike, and he is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Zimbabwean football today.
This comprehensive player profile and biography will explore Arubi’s career in detail, from his early days at Lancashire Steel to his current position as the first-choice goalkeeper for SuperSport United. It will examine his strengths and weaknesses as a player, his achievements and accolades, and his contributions to the teams he has played for. Whether you are a fan of Zimbabwean football or simply interested in learning more about one of the game’s rising stars, this profile will provide you with a comprehensive look at Washington Arubi’s life and career.
Early Life and Education
Washington Arubi was born on August 29, 1985, in Norton, Zimbabwe. Not much is known about his early life and education, but it is believed that he grew up in Norton and attended local schools in the area.
Arubi’s passion for football started at a young age, and he began playing in local youth leagues in Zimbabwe. He quickly showed promise as a goalkeeper and was scouted by several local teams.
Arubi’s talent as a goalkeeper continued to grow, and he eventually caught the attention of Lancashire Steel, a Zimbabwean football club. He began his professional career with Lancashire Steel and played 29 matches for the club.
After his time with Lancashire Steel, Arubi had spells with other Zimbabwean clubs such as Highlanders, Bantu Rovers, and Dynamos. He continued to develop his skills as a goalkeeper and quickly became a fan favorite at each club he played for.
Overall, Arubi’s early life and education are not well-documented, but his passion for football and his talent as a goalkeeper have made him a respected figure in the Zimbabwean football community.
Rise to Prominence
Breakthrough Season
Washington Arubi’s breakthrough season came in 2009 when he was playing for Dynamos FC. He was instrumental in helping the team win the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League title that year. Arubi’s performances in goal were impressive, and he quickly established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the league. His agility, reflexes, and ability to read the game were some of the key attributes that made him stand out.
National Recognition
Arubi’s performances for Dynamos FC did not go unnoticed, and he was soon called up to the Zimbabwe national team. He made his debut for the Warriors in 2010 and has since become a regular member of the squad. Arubi has represented Zimbabwe in several international tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations.
Arubi’s consistent performances for both club and country have earned him a reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in Zimbabwe. His ability to make crucial saves in important matches has made him a fan favorite. Arubi’s success has also attracted interest from several clubs outside of Zimbabwe, and he has had stints in South Africa with SuperSport United and Marumo Gallants FC.
Overall, Arubi’s rise to prominence has been a result of his hard work, dedication, and natural talent. He continues to be a key player for both club and country, and his performances in goal are always a joy to watch.
Club Career
Early Club Years
Washington Arubi began his club career in Zimbabwe, where he played for various local clubs, including Dynamos and Highlanders FC. During his time with these clubs, he gained valuable experience and developed his skills as a goalkeeper.
Professional Debut
Arubi made his professional debut in 2006, playing for a Zimbabwean Premier Soccer League side. He quickly established himself as a talented goalkeeper, earning a reputation for his agility, reflexes, and shot-stopping ability.
Notable Performances
Arubi’s career highlights include his performances in the 2010 African Cup of Nations, where he helped Zimbabwe reach the group stages of the tournament. He also played a crucial role in SuperSport United’s triumph in the 2022 South African Premier Division, making several crucial saves throughout the season.
Transfers and Contracts
Over the course of his career, Arubi has played for several clubs in Zimbabwe and South Africa. In 2020, he signed with Marumo Gallants FC, where he played for three seasons before transferring to SuperSport United in 2023. He has signed multiple contracts throughout his career, including a two-year contract extension with SuperSport United in 2024.
| Club | Years | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamos | ?-? | ? | ? |
| Highlanders FC | ?-? | ? | ? |
| SuperSport United | 2023- | ? | ? |
| Marumo Gallants FC | 2020-2023 | ? | ? |
Arubi’s club career has been marked by consistent performances and steady improvement. He has proven himself to be a reliable and talented goalkeeper, capable of making crucial saves in high-pressure situations. His contributions to various clubs in Zimbabwe and South Africa have earned him a reputation as one of the top goalkeepers in the region.
International Career
National Team Debut
Washington Arubi made his debut for the Zimbabwe national team on February 10, 2008, in a friendly against Cameroon. He was named in the starting lineup and played the full 90 minutes in a 1-1 draw. Arubi’s impressive performance earned him a spot in the team’s next match, a 2010 World Cup qualifier against Guinea, which Zimbabwe won 1-0.
World Cup Appearances
Washington Arubi was a regular member of the Zimbabwe national team during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. However, he was not included in the final squad that traveled to South Africa for the tournament.
International Goals and Records
Washington Arubi is a goalkeeper and has not scored any international goals. However, he has set a few records during his international career. In 2012, he kept a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw against Angola, which was Zimbabwe’s first away point in a World Cup qualifier in over a decade. Arubi also played a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s successful 2014 African Nations Championship campaign, where they finished in fourth place.
Overall, Washington Arubi has been a reliable presence in the Zimbabwe national team over the years. His shot-stopping abilities and leadership skills have made him an important member of the squad, and he will be hoping to continue his impressive form in the coming years.
Playing Style
Position and Role
Washington Arubi is a goalkeeper who currently plays for SuperSport United in the Premier Soccer League. His role as a goalkeeper is to protect his team’s goalpost and prevent the opposing team from scoring. Arubi is known for his ability to make crucial saves and his quick reflexes, which make him a valuable asset to his team.
Strengths and Skills
Arubi’s strengths as a goalkeeper include his excellent shot-stopping abilities, his agility, and his ability to read the game well. He is also known for his commanding presence in the box, which helps him to organize his defense and communicate effectively with his teammates. Arubi is a skilled shot-stopper and is able to make saves from close range as well as from long-range shots.
Comparisons and Influences
In terms of comparisons, Arubi has been compared to other top goalkeepers such as Thibaut Courtois and Manuel Neuer. He is known for his similar style of play, which involves using his height and agility to dominate the box and make crucial saves. Arubi has also been influenced by other top goalkeepers such as Petr Cech and Gianluigi Buffon, who he has cited as his role models.
Overall, Arubi’s playing style is characterized by his excellent shot-stopping abilities, his agility, and his commanding presence in the box. These skills have made him a valuable asset to his team and a top goalkeeper in the Premier Soccer League.
Off the Pitch
Personal Life
Washington Arubi is known for being a private person when it comes to his personal life. However, it is known that he was born on August 29, 1985, in Norton, Zimbabwe. He is currently 38 years old. Arubi is married and has children, but he has not disclosed any further information about his family.
Charitable Work
Arubi has been involved in various charitable activities throughout his career. In 2014, he was part of the Zimbabwean team that played in a charity match against the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) team to raise funds for the fight against poverty. Additionally, in 2015, he participated in a charity match organized by the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) to raise money for the families of the victims of the Xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Media Appearances
Arubi has made several media appearances throughout his career. In 2019, he was interviewed by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) after his team, SuperSport United, won the MTN8 Cup. He has also been featured in various newspapers, including The Herald, The Chronicle, and Newsday Zimbabwe.
Achievements and Awards
Club Honors
Throughout his career, Washington Arubi has achieved a number of club honors. In 2011, he won the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League with Dynamos FC, and he repeated the feat in 2012. In 2013, he helped Dynamos FC to reach the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League.
In 2015, Arubi joined Pretoria-based club University of Pretoria FC, where he played for two seasons. During his time at the club, he was named Player of the Season for the 2015/16 campaign.
Arubi joined SuperSport United FC in 2019, and he has since helped the club to reach the final of the MTN8 Cup and the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Individual Awards
Washington Arubi has also won several individual awards throughout his career. In 2011, he was named the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League Goalkeeper of the Year. He won the award again in 2012.
In 2015, Arubi was named the University of Pretoria FC Player of the Season.
International Accolades
Washington Arubi has represented Zimbabwe at international level, and he has been part of the squad that has reached the final of the COSAFA Cup on two occasions. He was also part of the squad that reached the semi-finals of the African Nations Championship in 2014.
Arubi has also been named in the Zimbabwe national team for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Controversies and Challenges
Despite his successful career, Washington Arubi has faced some controversies and challenges throughout his time in football. One of the most notable incidents occurred in 2013 when he was accused of match-fixing. Arubi was playing for Dynamos at the time and was accused of being involved in a scheme to fix a match against Monomotapa United. However, he was later cleared of any wrongdoing by the Zimbabwe Football Association.
In addition to the match-fixing allegations, Arubi has also faced challenges in his personal life. In 2018, he was involved in a car accident that left him with serious injuries. He had to undergo surgery and was out of action for several months as a result. However, he was able to make a full recovery and return to the pitch.
Despite these challenges, Arubi has remained a dedicated and talented player. He has continued to impress fans and critics alike with his skills and has become a respected figure in Zimbabwean football.
Legacy and Impact on the Sport
Washington Arubi has had a significant impact on Zimbabwean football during his career. He has been a role model for young players and has inspired many to pursue a career in football.
Arubi’s performances on the field have been outstanding, and he has been recognized as one of Zimbabwe’s best goalkeepers. He has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including being named the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League Goalkeeper of the Year in 2011 and 2012.
Arubi’s leadership and professionalism have also been a major influence on the sport. He has been a captain for several teams, including Highlanders and Dynamos, and has been praised for his ability to motivate his teammates.
Off the field, Arubi has been involved in several charitable initiatives, including the Washington Arubi Foundation, which aims to provide support for underprivileged children in Zimbabwe.
Overall, Washington Arubi’s legacy in Zimbabwean football is a positive one. He has been a role model for young players, a leader on the field, and a philanthropist off the field. His impact on the sport will continue to be felt for years to come.
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Future Prospects and Retirement Plans
At 38 years old, Washington Arubi is nearing the end of his professional football career. However, he has expressed a desire to continue playing for a few more years. In a recent interview, Arubi stated that he would like to continue playing for SuperSport United for as long as possible, and that he is not yet thinking about retirement.
Arubi’s future prospects in football are uncertain, but he has proven himself to be a reliable and experienced goalkeeper. He has played for several clubs in Zimbabwe and South Africa, and has won numerous individual awards throughout his career. If he continues to perform at a high level, he may be able to secure a coaching or mentoring role in the future.
In addition to his football career, Arubi is also a qualified electrician. He has stated that he plans to pursue a career in electrical engineering after retiring from football. This demonstrates his dedication and versatility, and suggests that he will be successful in whatever he chooses to do after his football career comes to an end.
Overall, Washington Arubi’s future prospects and retirement plans are uncertain, but he has shown himself to be a determined and hardworking individual both on and off the field. As he approaches the end of his football career, it is clear that he has many options and opportunities available to him.