Arubi ready to embrace underdog role as Gallants chase Carling Knockout glory

Veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi is eager to win his second cup in three finals with Marumo Gallants, though he knows it won’t be easy.

Gallants will face Orlando Pirates in the Carling Knockout final at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 6pm). Pirates will be vying for their second trophy of the season, having already won the MTN8 — their record-extending fourth in succession.

This clash will be a testament to the foundation that Pirates’ new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou laid at Gallants last season; and the solid platform he has built less than six months into his new job at the Sea Robbers, too.

While Pirates are clear favourites for the match, given their pedigree in domestic competitions, they will underestimate Gallants at their own peril. The Mangaung-based team have, after all, experienced personnel in goalkeeper Arubi at their disposal.

The 40-year-old has been around the block, that is for certain. In his decorated career, he has played in several cup finals, including two with Gallants.

Arubi played and won the Nedbank Cup with then known Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) — in 2021. He was then a losing finalist in the same competition with Bahlabane ba Ntwa in 2022. Fast-forward two seasons later, and Arubi is hoping he can add another trophy to his collection with the club — before potentially discarding his gloves.

“I feel honoured to be playing a third final with the same team,” Arubi said. “It will be exciting, but I need to polish that up by actually winning it.

“It won’t be an easy game. It will be difficult for both teams — knockout games are always difficult. The pressure will always be there because you are playing against one of the biggest teams in Africa, not just South Africa.”

Pirates might be one of the heavyweights on the continent and clear favourites heading into the final in Polokwane, but Arubi is happy to embrace the “underdog” tag.

“I love it when we play as underdogs. That’s going to show our character — how we contain the pressure and emotions,” Arubi said. “It will be a different stage, but I’m sure we’ll do our best and come away with the result.”

Arubi has already played a key role in getting Gallants to the final. He was the hero in penalty shootouts in the quarter-final against Mamelodi Sundowns and the semi-final against Golden Arrows. With his Pirates counterpart, Sipho Chaine, having had memorable outings between the sticks in past penalty shootouts, the two keepers could have decisive moments on Saturday.

Arubi is not getting carried away, though he has revealed that he has a trick up his sleeve, if  penalties become a factor in the game.

“It’s something we’ve been working on at training,” Arubi said. “We really appreciate the advice from the coaches — they’ve been helping me.

“There’s a secret that has been helping me. I can’t say it — if I say it now, they’ll know it. But I’m not even thinking about that. I’m thinking about the first 90 minutes, which will be crucial. I’ll think about penalties after extra-time.”