Washington Arubi back for Marumo Gallants ahead of their gigantic clash against Orlando Pirates in the Carling Knockout final tomorrow

Washington Arubi’s return to the Marumo Gallants fold signals Gallants’ ultimate intent ahead of tomorrow’s Carling Cup Final against Orlando Pirates.

The Zimbabwean international goalkeeper missed his side’s 1-1 draw against Magesi FC in a Betway Premiership match last Sunday.

Arubi was parked out of the Magesi game because his contribution has been a pivotal one for Gallants and his experience will come in handy against the Sea Robbers.

His contribution to the team has been invaluable that when it comes penalties, he is one dependable goal-minder.

Against Golden Arrows in the semi-finals, Arubi denied Arrows a place in tomorrow’s final with two saves in the penalty shoot-out when they won 4-2.

It is his heroics that ensured he sits out against Magesi in avoiding a fourth caution as he is on three and that would have been catastrophic for the Bloemfontein side.

Many coaches believe when a team has a solid goalkeeper, then that team is a step ahead of their opponents and Arubi is such a goal-minder.

Arubi is living up to the adage that goalkeepers age like fine wine as the 40-year-old is a completer player. And this is because he has also played for teams such as SuperSport United, Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila and University of Pretoria to mention three.

Distribution, communication and organisational presence are his strong points.

It will take an effort of monumental proportions for Orlando Pirates to get one goal past him tomorrow.

The match starts at 6pm at Peter Mokaba Stadium.