Arubi's return sparks debate as Warriors prepare f...

Arubi's return sparks debate as Warriors prepare for AFCON qualifiers

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

The Zimbabwean football landscape is experiencing a new dawn as the Warriors embark on a journey under the tutelage of German gaffer Michael Nees. Nees, who was officially unveiled last week, will have his mettle tested in two crucial encounters against The Harambee Stars of Kenya and The Teranga Lions of Cameroon in the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers.

The anticipation surrounding Nees' tenure has been heightened by the inclusion of Khama Billiat in the 23-man squad announced on Monday. Billiat's return has been warmly welcomed by the Zimbabwean football fraternity, as his experience and skillset are expected to bolster the team's chances of success.

However, the inclusion of goalkeeper Washington Arubi has sparked a lively debate among fans. While some believe that the veteran shot-stopper still has valuable contributions to make, others argue that his time with the Warriors has come to an end. Arubi, at 39, is the oldest player in Nees' squad and boasts 13 caps for Zimbabwe.

Nees' decision to call up Arubi may be influenced by his analysis of Zimbabwe's previous World Cup Qualifiers against South Africa and Lesotho. The team's goalkeeping department was a major area of concern in those matches, with both Bernard Donavan and Godfrey Chitsumba struggling to deliver consistent performances.

Football analyst Tom Nyathi believes that Arubi's experience and leadership could be crucial in addressing the goalkeeping crisis. "I think the squad is good, especially in the goalkeepers' department," Nyathi said. "The inclusion of Washington Arubi is a good pick because if you look in the previous games the squad has been lacking experience in that department."

Arubi's Warriors journey has been a rollercoaster of emotions. Despite his longevity in the team, he has only been called up 13 times. One of the most memorable moments in his career was a costly blunder against Guinea in 2015, which resulted in a draw for Zimbabwe.

As the Warriors prepare for the AFCON Qualifiers, the spotlight will be on Arubi to see if he can redeem himself and make a significant impact for his country. With Nees at the helm and a talented squad at his disposal, the Warriors have the potential to achieve great things in the coming years.