Arubi The Only Outstanding South African Based Player For 2020/21 Season
Zimbabwe International goalkeeper Washington Arubi is the only South African based player among a pool of 18 players in the South African premiership to be recognized for his achievements this season after nominated for the end of the season awards.
The veteran former Warriors goalkeeper, Arubi (35) was nominated for the Nedbank cup player of the tournament after playing a pivotal role keeping four clean sheets in five games as Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivandila clinched the Nedbank cup for the first time in the club’s history.
Arubi who is the favorite to win the gong was shortlisted alongside teammate and midfielder Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo who scored two goals in three Nedbank cup matches and Mamelodi Sundowns and Namibian hot shot Peter Shaulile who scored four goals in four matches.
Arubi emerged as the only outstanding Zimbabwean player among a pool of 18 players in the DSTV premiership that includes Edwin Madhanaga (TTM), Butholezwe Ncube, Talent Chawapiwa (Amazulu), Danny Phiri, Divine Lunga, Edmore Sibanda, Knox Mutizwa (Golden Arrows) Elvis Chipezeze (Baroka), Evans Rusike, George Chigova, Kuda Mahachi, Onismore Bhasera (Supersport United), Khama Billiat, Willard Katsande (Kaizer Chiefs), Ovidy Karuru (Black Leopards), Ronald Pfumbidzai (Bloemfontein Celtics) and Orlando Pirates’ Terrence Dzvukamanja to be recognized this season for his achievements.
Besides his Nedbank cup heroics, Arubi has been a vital cog for TTM in their maiden season in the DSTV premiership featuring in 26 matches and keeping eight clean sheets as they fight to remain in the South African top flight league with 29 points from 28 games.
Zimbabweans last dominated in the South African premiership end of season awards in 2015/16 season were Khama Billiat, who was then at Mamelodi Sundowns, picked three awards that includes midfielder of the season, Players’ player of the season and the footballer of the season award.
Ever since then Zimbabwean stars have been in the shadows only for Chipezeze to emerge in the 2018/19 season winning the Telkom knockout cup player of the tournament award.
Last season Terrence Dzvukamanja who was then at Bidvest Wits was shortlisted for the Nedbank Cup Player of the tournament award alongside Bloemfontein Celtics’ Victor Letsoalo and Mamelodi Sundown’s Motjeka Madisha, but the Zimbabwean missed out on the main prize to Victor Letsoalo.
