Kaitano Tembo’s stance on veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi

Interim Warriors coach Kaitano Tembo has revealed his stance on veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi, who was the notable absentee in last month’s Unity Cup in the United Kingdom.

Arubi had been the trusted pair of hands for Zimbabwe prior to Kaitano Tembo’s rise to the helm of the national squad. Under Michael Nees, Arubi was the goalkeeping mainstay, while Marian Marinica also gave him significant game time.

At 40, Arubi has defied the odds of age, performing beyond expectations for both club Marumo Gallants and country. However, Kaitano Tembo excluded him from the invitational Unity Cup, where Zimbabwe emerged as third-place finishers behind Nigeria and Jamaica respectively.

Tembo selected the budding Marley Tavaziva, Future Sibanda of ZPC Kariba, and Magesi FC’s Elvis Chipezeze. Nevertheless, the former Warriors defender, Tembo says it’s not the end of the road for Arubi, who he still believes has so much to contribute to the Warriors.

“Washington is a Warriors legend with so many caps under his belt. Leaving him out of the Unity Cup doesn’t mean he is out of our plans and that he has had his final call,” Tembo said.

“His performances at the 2025 AFCON were a good statement and he’s still performing at a high level for Marumo Gallants at 40. That tells you everything about his professionalism.

“We wanted to look at Marley, Future and Elvis in that environment against Nigeria and Jamaica. Age is just a number with Arubi. He still has so much to contribute. The door is not closed. If he keeps his form, he will be in our plans.”

With 30 Warriors caps to his name, Arubi’s displays at the 2025 AFCON and other competitions spoke volumes.

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