Zimbabwe goalkeeper Washington Arubi remains optimistic about the Warriors' future despite their elimination from World Cup qualifying contention. The 40-year-old veteran has joined the national team camp ahead of matches against South Africa and Lesotho, fixtures that hold no qualification value but carry significant pride for the bottom-placed squad with four points.
Arubi emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism through the remaining qualifiers while mentoring younger players toward rebuilding the program. The Marumo Gallants goalkeeper views these final games as preparation for the AFCON tournament in December rather than focusing on the missed qualification opportunity.
His recent form supports his continued presence in international football. Arubi saved three penalties against Mamelodi Sundowns before converting the decisive spot kick himself, attributing the performance to extra training sessions and mental preparation.
The goalkeeper dismissed retirement speculation and expressed confidence that Zimbabwe will return to competitive prominence through the development of emerging talent under experienced leadership.
Arubi emphasized the importance of maintaining professionalism through the remaining qualifiers while mentoring younger players toward rebuilding the program. The Marumo Gallants goalkeeper views these final games as preparation for the AFCON tournament in December rather than focusing on the missed qualification opportunity.
His recent form supports his continued presence in international football. Arubi saved three penalties against Mamelodi Sundowns before converting the decisive spot kick himself, attributing the performance to extra training sessions and mental preparation.
The goalkeeper dismissed retirement speculation and expressed confidence that Zimbabwe will return to competitive prominence through the development of emerging talent under experienced leadership.
