Just like Khama Billiat and Knowledge Musona, veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi is set to return to Zimbabwe’s PSL in July, ending a 14-year spell in South Africa’s top-flight, FARPost has learnt.
The 40-year-old is expected in Harare on Monday to sign for Caps United. Arubi was last with Betway Premiership side Marumo Gallants, where he spent two seasons.
He first moved to South Africa in 2012 from Dynamos FC, where he had helped them win back-to-back Castle Lager Premier Soccer League titles in 2011 and 2012.
From there, his SA journey took him to the University of Pretoria for four years, before stints at Black Aces, Stellenbosch FC, SuperSport United FC [now Siwelele FC] and Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila [TTM], the club that later became Marumo Gallants.
In total, Arubi made over 220 Betway Premiership appearances and built a reputation as one of the most consistent Zimbabwean keepers in the league. He also kept over 60 clean sheets.
His career highlight in South Africa came with TTM, where he lifted the 2020/21 Nedbank Cup and was named Player of the Tournament. He is also widely known for his longevity and heroics in penalty shootouts.
TWO-YEAR DEAL FOR WASHINGTON ARUBI
A move to Caps United means Arubi joins a rare group of players who have represented all three of Zimbabwe’s traditional giants — he started his career at Highlanders FC before spells at Dynamos and now Caps United.
Zimbabwe’s mid-season transfer window opens on 1 July upto the 31st of July, and Arubi, along with Malawian Uchizi Vunga and DR Congo’s Chris Mugalu, are the latest arrivals at Caps United.
Arubi is set to be handed a two-year deal, joining Caps United as a direct replacement for Wallace Magalane, whom the club is parting ways with under unclear circumstances. With Arubi turning 41 at the end of August, the Caps United contract means he will still be actively playing at 43.
Arubi’s consistent performances in the Betway Premiership helped him cement his place as Zimbabwe’s number one. He earned 30 international caps for the Warriors and has been the trusted last line of defence in recent years. His most recent appearances came at the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco.
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