40 and flying: Washington Arubi closes in on a long-time dream

By Agencies

With 22 years of sweat and dedication etched into his footballing DNA, goalkeeper Washington Arubi is poised to script a chapter in AFCON history, proving age is just a number when passion and purpose converge.

Barring any changes, Arubi will guard Zimbabwe’s goals at the 2025 AFCON at the age of 40, a feat achieved by retired Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary.

It’s a milestone that Arubi attributes to sacrifice and dedication, qualities that have defined his remarkable career. He has played for Dynamos and Highlanders in Zimbabwe.

In the PSL, the veteran keeper has played for Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, AmaTuks and SuperSport United.

Arubi made his debut for Zimbabwe in August 2005 and was called up to feature in the COSAFA Cup, AFCON qualifiers, and FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He has garnered 30 caps for the Southern African nation.

But despite Zimbabwe qualifying for AFCON five times during his career, the Marumo Gallants goalkeeper was overlooked for the continental extravaganza.

The Warriors qualified for AFCON in 2004 and 2006, exiting in the first round, and again in 2017, 2019, and 2021. But Arubi’s time seems to have finally come, and he opened up to FARPost about his excitement to make his debut at the 2025 AFCON. Zimbabwe are in Group B with Bafana Bafana, Angola and Egypt.

“It’s quite a remarkable achievement to have reached this level while still feeling strong and active, and to top it all off, representing my country at Africa’s biggest stage,” Arubi said in an interview with FARPost.

“Considering most of my peers are already feeling tired and wanting to retire by the time they reach 30, my situation is, by the grace of God, quite different. I can proudly say I’m favoured, because not many people my age manage to be in line for a stage like AFCON, so I’m more than grateful,” he added.

ARUBI’S SECRET FOR LONGEVITY

Arubi’s longevity is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the sport. When asked how he has managed to keep himself in commendable shape for a career that has spanned two decades, he replied, “My secret is simple: you only need three things to get to this level – sacrifice, discipline, and hard work.

“Yes, divine intervention is included, but let’s be honest, God rewards us, but it’s better to meet him halfway. You do the work physically, and he rewards spiritually.

“My advice to aspiring young footballers is that nothing comes easy; you have to work for it. Yes, you may be favoured, but favour alone isn’t enough without putting in the effort. As you work, you gain experience and exposure.

“Along the way, you make mistakes, but what makes you better is rectifying those mistakes. That’s the advice I can give to young, aspiring goalkeepers determined to make it in this line of duty,” added