Washington relishing return

ZIMBABWEAN goalkeeper Washington Arubi says he is grateful of the chance he’s been given at Stellenbosch FC as he plans to revive his career.

Arubi had four memorable seasons with University of Pretoria, although things didn’t end well since he couldn’t save them from relegation during the 2015/2016 season as they lost in the play-offs to Highlands Park.

The 32-year-old was offloaded by Amatuks and found himself without a team before surfacing at Motsepe League side Alexandra Black Aces.

Arubi joined Stellenbosch in February, last year, where he helped the Cape team to third on the log, which guaranteed them a place in the play-offs

“Playing in the NFD is not by choice but I had to go back and work on myself again,” Arubi said. “I was out of action for some time. “But now I want to push myself so I can get back where I belong in the PSL, which is why I’ll work hard so that Stellenbosch get promotion, even if it’s through playoffs.”

Arubi says he hopes to don the Zimbabwean national team jersey again but that can happen if he returns to topflight football.

“I’ll keep pushing myself hard every day, I don’t have time to rest. I will rest when I die,” said Arubi.

“Playing in the PSL is a big thing for a player like myself. Most of the national coaches always check the PSL level not the NFD. I lost my number one jersey (with the Zimbabwean national team). I didn’t let that weigh me down because I am here with Stellenbosch and concentrating on doing well with the team.’’

With eight games to go in the NFD, Stellenbosch currently occupy eighth spot in the log standings and have to two tricky fixtures lined up – Real Kings at home, and Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup. Arubi remains optimistic for a top finish with the team.

“We are disappointed with today’s results but we will keep on pushing as we still have eight games to play.” said Arubi, after the 2-1 loss to Jomo Cosmos on Sunday.

“At the start of the season I was expecting that we get outright promotion but it’s not likely to happen since Highlands Park is already up there, but now we are just fighting for the play-offs.”

@Mihlalibaleka

The 21-year-old Zimbabwean midfielder looks set for a derby debut given that he’s held his own in the absence of out-of-favour Thamsanqa Sangweni and Issa Sarr. Add to that the injury to Abbubaker Mobara in that central role meant Munetsi, who played in 2