Arubi Ready For Tough Battle Against Pirates

Marumo Gallants goalkeeper Washington Arubi says he is expecting a demanding clash when his side faces Orlando Pirates in the Carling Knockout Cup final at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday.

This will be the third cup final Arubi has reached with Gallants—formerly known as Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM). He lifted the Nedbank Cup with the club in 2021, before finishing as runner-up the following season after losing to Mamelodi Sundowns.

Arubi said he is honoured to be competing in another major final and hopes to make it even more memorable by winning the trophy.

“I feel honoured to be playing a third final with the same team,” Arubi said.

“It is an achievement for me. I just have to polish it up by winning the final on Saturday, which is going to be interesting also.”

The 40-year-old will look to add his second trophy in his name, however anticipates a challenging encounter against the favourites to win the cup.

“It is going to be a difficult game for both teams. You know, cup finals are always difficult for both teams. The pressure will always be there because you are playing against one of the biggest teams in Africa, not just South Africa.”

Arubi, whose side eliminated Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch, and Golden Arrows respectively, continued, “I love it when we play as underdogs. That’s going to show our character, how we are going to try to contain the pressure and emotions.”

“It will be a different stage, but I’m sure we’ll do our best and try to come away with the result.”