Caps United hand 40-year-old Washington Arubi two-year deal to revive title hopes

Caps United have signed veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi on a two-year contract, with club president Farai Jere saying the 40-year-old’s experience can help solve a crisis that has threatened their Castle Lager Premier Soccer League title challenge.

Arubi, who turns 41 on 29 August, was unveiled in Harare on Monday after joining from Marumo Gallants. His arrival follows the departure of first-choice goalkeeper Wallace Magalane, who was banished by the club for insubordination and alleged match-fixing.

Jere defended the decision to recruit Arubi despite his age, arguing that Caps United urgently needed a leader in goal after a difficult spell.

“We have brought in a national team goalkeeper to help solve the goalkeeping problems we have been having. It was derailing our title hopes, and we were almost losing faith, but I’m very happy to say our hopes have been rekindled,” declared Jere.

Caps United started the season strongly and spent much of the opening weeks at the top of the table. However, a seven-match winless run has damaged their campaign and increased pressure on the goalkeeping department.

The ‘Green Machine’ have since fallen to third place with 34 points, nine behind leaders Scottland FC, who have 43. Hardrock FC are second on 38 points after 20 rounds of fixtures.

Jere was particularly critical of Magalane’s performances and made it clear that the club would not tolerate what he described as serious errors.

“The kind of blunders made by Magalane cannot even be made by someone from primary school. It’s not tolerated on this project,” the club president said.

Arubi’s contract will take him close to his 43rd birthday by the time it expires, but Jere believes the goalkeeper’s leadership and experience are more important than his age.

“Arubi is here. We all know his experience. In that position, we need a leader on the field of play, and we have that in Mr Arubi. Our vision remains the same as we’ve always said: we are coming for the championship. We are not worried about what is happening at the top. We are focused on our own team, Caps United, understanding our problems, and solving them.

“So allow me to welcome Washington Arubi to the Green Machine for the next two years. He’s not coming alone. To show our seriousness, he’s also bringing another decorated young goalkeeper a 24-year-old Botswana national team goalkeeper, Victor James.”

Victor James, a 24-year-old Botswana international, will join Arubi at the Zimbabwean club as part of the goalkeeping reshuffle.

Arubi will also work alongside former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Tinashe Nengomasha, who is now Caps United’s team manager.

The goalkeeper moved to South Africa in 2012 after helping Dynamos win consecutive Castle Lager PSL titles in 2011 and 2012. He subsequently represented the University of Pretoria, Black Aces, Stellenbosch FC, SuperSport United and TTM.

Across his South African career, Arubi made more than 220 appearances in the Betway Premiership. His most notable achievement came in 2021, when he helped TTM win the Nedbank Cup and was named Player of the Tournament.

He has also built a reputation for longevity and for producing decisive performances in penalty shootouts. Arubi returned to Zimbabwe having established himself as one of the country’s most decorated goalkeepers.