Out in the cold after being told his services were no longer needed at SuperSport United, goalkeeper Washington Arubi seems set for a return to Marumo Gallants as they continue to sign players ahead of their return to the topflight.
After waiting for a month for former club SuperSport to make a decision on his future, with his contract running up in June, Arubi seems to have found a not-so-new home at the Betway Premiership returnees.
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It is not yet clear if the Zimbabwean has signed, but according to an insider, he's been training with the Abram Sello-owned club for a week now.
The veteran net minder will be hoping to get a new club after being told by coach Gavin Hunt that he was surplus to requirements at Matsatsantsa.
Last season, he made only seven appearances across all competitions.
His one-year contract at the Tshwane side was not renewed in June after the club managed to get Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Ricardo Goss from Mamelodi Sundowns on another loan deal.
If he signs with Gallants, Arubi will team up with the likes of former SuperSport midfielder Phathutshedzo Nange, Daniel Msendami from Jwaneng Galaxy and ex-AmaZulu FC defender Veluyeke Zulu.
He was part of the Gallants outfit that got knocked out of the CAF Confederation Cup in the 2022/23 campaign, although their fairy-tale run in that competition saw them being relegated from the elite division.
The club has since bought their way back after purchasing the status of beleaguered Moroka Swallows.
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"Yes, Washington Arubi is here; he's been training since last week, and the club is looking at having him for one year plus option; it's almost a done deal, though, because both parties need each other; it's not like they are spoiled for choice," A source tells KickOff.
The 2024/25 Betway Premiership season will have its first whistle on 14 September.