The Zimbabwean Keeper Who Wouldn’t Quit: Arubi’s Two-Decade Journey to the Top
ALMOST two decades after making his professional debut, Washington Arubi is back in the headlines — and this time for all the right reasons.
At 40, the evergreen goalkeeper is once again the heartbeat of the Zimbabwe national team, having reclaimed the Warriors’ number one jersey and become an inspirational figure in football.
Early Brilliance — “Sekuru Gudo” and the 2011 Golden Season
Long before his recent renaissance, Arubi had already etched his name into Zimbabwean football history.
Back in 2011, while at Dynamos, he produced one of the finest goalkeeping seasons ever seen in the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League — keeping 17 clean sheets and guiding DeMbare to the league title.
That year he achieved a rare feat: he became only the third goalkeeper in history, after Japhet Mparutsa and Energy Murambadoro, to be crowned Zimbabwe Soccer Star of the Year.
“My best achievement was when I managed to keep 17 clean sheets at Dynamos and went on to win the Soccer Star of the Year award in 2011,” recalls Arubi.
“It’s an honour to be counted among only three goalkeepers to ever win it. It takes a lot of hard work, dedication and discipline — it’s never easy for a keeper to be recognised that way.”
Fans affectionately nicknamed him “Sekuru Gudo”, a symbol of wisdom and endurance — traits that still define him nearly two decades later.
The Journey — From Kwekwe Teenager to PSL Veteran
Arubi’s story began in Kwekwe, where he made his professional debut aged 17 for Lancashire Steel on 25 October 2003, in a 3-1 victory over Black Rhinos at Rufaro Stadium.
After steady early progress, he joined Highlanders in 2007, had a brief stint at Bantu Rovers, and finally signed for Dynamos in 2010 — the move that changed his career.
His performances caught the eye of South African scouts, leading to a 2012 transfer to University of Pretoria (Tuks). He went on to make several appearances in the DStv Premier Division, later representing Stellenbosch, SuperSport United, Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, and Marumo Gallants.
It was at TTM in 2021 that he won the Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament, reigniting his career and opening the door for an unlikely national-team comeback.
Internationally, his Warriors career began in 2005, but it took nearly two decades — and a lot of perseverance — to regain the number one spot. His infamous 2015 howler against Guinea seemed to end his national team run, but he never stopped training, improving, and believing. Arubi was dropped, and his international career appeared over.
Today, that same goalkeeper — once written off after a single mistake — now stands as the backbone of the Warriors’ 2025 squad.
The Warrior Returns
When Michael Nees took over as Warriors head coach, experience was one of his first priorities — and Arubi delivered.
In 2024 he made a sensational return to the national setup after nearly a decade away. Since then, he’s been an ever-present figure in Zimbabwe’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, producing commanding displays against Nigeria and Cameroon.
“Arubi’s leadership and calmness have been priceless,” says a Zimbabwe Warriors Zone fan. “He’s raised the standards of everyone around him. He’s proof that class never fades.”
Experience Meets Endurance
In a league filled with young youngsters, Arubi stands out for his longevity and fitness. At 40, he continues to post top-tier stats in the South African PSL with Marumo Gallants, often featuring in the league’s Team of the Week selections.
“When you stay disciplined and love the game, age becomes just a number,” a fan told Zimbabwe Warriors Zone. “Every clean sheet now feels like a gift.”
Career Snapshot (as of 2025)
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Washington Arubi |
| Born | 29 August 1985 – Norton, Zimbabwe |
| Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) |
| Current Club | Marumo Gallants (South Africa) |
| Position | Goalkeeper / Captain – Zimbabwe Warriors |
| Professional Debut | 25 Oct 2003 – Lancashire Steel vs Black Rhinos (3-1) |
| Major Clubs | Lancashire Steel, Highlanders, Bantu Rovers, Dynamos, University of Pretoria, Stellenbosch, SuperSport United, TTM, Marumo Gallants |
| Major Honours | Soccer Star of the Year (2011); Nedbank Cup Winner & Player of the Tournament (2021) |
| National Caps | 32 (0 goals) – Zimbabwe |
| Nickname | “Sekuru Gudo” |
Legacy in Motion
From a teenage debutant in Kwekwe to the Warriors’ number one at 40, Washington Arubi’s career has come full circle. He remains the last goalkeeper to win the Soccer Star of the Year award, a symbol of excellence and perseverance that continues to inspire a new generation.
“Arubi’s story is living proof that greatness doesn’t expire — it matures,” says an avid Zimbabwe Warriors Zone reader.