By Evans Dakwa, News Editor
As the New Warriors Coach Michael Nees unveiled his squad, one name stood out – Washington Arubi. The 38-year-old goalkeeper’s inclusion has raised eyebrows, but for those who follow the South African premiership, it’s a move that makes perfect sense. Arubi who last played for the Warriors in 2021 has performed consistently in the South African Premiership and is currently at Marumo Gallants. His experience is just what the Warriors need at the moment especially in the goalkeeping department. It is something that I called for post the Donovan errors in Malawi.
That position has been a problem area for the Warriors, with no one cementing their place. Bernard Donovan has been inconsistent, and the Geoffrey Chitsumba experiment failed to convince. Youngster Marley Tavaziva shows promise and is probably one for the long term but needs guidance from a veteran like Arubi. I strongly believe the new Warriors goalkeeping coach Pernel McKop who watches the Super Diski every weekend has all the statistics that makes the Arubi call the correct one.
Arubi brings more than just shot-stopping skills; he’s a commander who marshals his defence with ease. His leadership is so good that even he likes of Onana at Manchester United could learn from. And let’s not forget, goalkeepers have longevity – Essam El Hadary of Egypt played at the World Cup at 45, and Gianluigi Buffon played for Italy until he was 39.
Arubi’s return, alongside Prince Dube, is a refreshing sign that Nees is willing to shake things up. Dube is the country’s most natural goal scorer, and his inclusion is a boost. It’s clear Nees and his technical team are not afraid to stand up to the football mafia inclusive of some agents, administrators and even members of the fourth estate.
Lest I forget, the appointment of Shariff Musa as manager is another refreshing one for me. His rapport with players, the business community, and football community makes him the perfect man for the job. He’s the best football manager the Warriors have had in recent memory. He will surely make Nees job of adjusting to the Zimbabwean football environment easier