After shutting out Nigeria throughout Zimbabwe’s essential World Cup qualifier, Warriors’ goalkeeper Washington Arubi has revealed the key behind his longevity, Soccernet.ng stories.
At 39, Washington Arubi continues to defy age and expectations.
The Zimbabwean goalkeeper, who turns 40 in six months, delivered a commanding efficiency to assist his aspect safe a dramatic 1-1 draw in opposition to Nigeria in Tuesday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier on the Godswill Akpabio Worldwide Stadium in Uyo.
Regardless of going through a star-studded Tremendous Eagles assault, Arubi stood agency, making essential saves to disclaim Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen, Vivid Osayi-Samuel, and Tolu Arokodare.
Arubi’s shot-stoping prowess, mixed with a well-organised Zimbabwean defence, annoyed Nigeria for a lot of the sport.
Though Osimhen managed to interrupt the impasse within the 74th minute — ghosting previous his markers to complete clinically — Zimbabwe responded in stoppage time.
Tawanda Chirewa’s late strike ensured the Warriors left Uyo with an important level, denting Nigeria’s hopes of clean passage to the World Cup.
Warriors goalkeeper Washington Arubi named within the Africa Soccer Zone workforce of the week after his efficiency in opposition to Nigeria . pic.twitter.com/G2WyiFfjAU
— Undisputed️ (@Mr_Tich) March 26, 2025
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What Arubi stated of his longevity
Following his standout show, Arubi opened up concerning the secret to his longevity.
In an interview with FARPost, the Marumo Gallants shot-stopper credited self-discipline and a strict coaching routine for his potential to carry out on the highest stage as he nears 40.
“To start with, I need to thanks for the popularity of being one of many oldest goalkeepers in PSL. To be trustworthy with you, I all the time attempt to maintain my self-discipline on level every single day and push myself every single day to do higher,” Arubi advised FARPost.
“Which means I all the time give myself further coaching periods, and I do guarantee that I prepare twice a day, contemplating our schedule. And at this age, additionally it is essential to manage what I eat and drink and to get extra relaxation.
“It’s all about believing and placing within the work, it doesn’t matter what, you understand how our trade is. My want is to remain match and pray every single day to not expertise lengthy accidents.
“In fact, accidents are a part of the sport, however we carry on going and all the time thank God, however being disciplined on and off the sector has actually helped me.”
Arubi’s dedication has not gone unnoticed.
Zimbabwe head coach Michael Nees has confirmed that Arubi stays his first-choice goalkeeper for each membership and nation, maintaining in-form Magesi FC shot-stopper Elvis Chipezeze on the bench.
Arubi has additionally maintained his spot as Gallants’ No.1 this season, making 17 league appearances to date. And regardless of his age, retirement isn’t on his thoughts. The veteran goalkeeper is already focusing on a spot in Zimbabwe’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Since shifting to South Africa in 2012, Arubi has loved a nomadic profession, taking part in for golf equipment such because the College of Pretoria, Black Aces, Stellenbosch FC, SuperSport United, and Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila. Earlier than becoming a member of Gallants in the beginning of the season, he was a part of the squad at SuperSport United.
Along with his self-discipline, work ethic, and religion, Arubi is proving that age is only a quantity.
And after maintaining Nigeria at bay, he stays a key determine in Zimbabwe’s push for World Cup qualification.
