Washington Arubi: Photo Credit: Zimbabwe Football Association.
Zimbabwe coach Michael Nees has closed the door on South Africa-based goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze’s possible call up, insisting the Warriors’ number one is Washington Arubi.
Addressing questions from Zimbabwe media, Nees said the Marumo Gallants shot-stopper deserves all the respect for helping the Warriors qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.
Chipezeze has been in good form for Magesi FC after helping them win the Carling Cup Knockout trophy last November hence some quarters in Harare expected his recall to the Warriors.
However, Nees made it plain that “Washington is my number one. I don't want to say A is number or number one is B. Sometimes too much competition is not good.”
The German then explained what he takes into account when selecting players, saying he does not believe in using people and dumping them.
Nees said: “For a goalkeeper sometimes too much competition is not very good. If something happens to Washington, we are ready to react but Washington deserves the respect for helping us to qualify [for AFCON] and if another goalkeeper had been chosen instead of Washington and he would have helped us qualify, he would have also deserved respect.”
The coach added that he believes in rewarding loyal players with good character.
“For me, loyalty is also very important and character matters. It is not right for people that players help you to qualify and then you put them under the bus. I don't know why other coaches are doing it but that is not me. In case something happens, we can react. Don't worry,” Nees added.
Nees named Arubi alongside Marley Tavaziva of Brentford FC and Martin Mapisa (MWOS) in the 22-member party gearing up for Group C matches against Benin at Moses Mabhida Stadium in South Africa on March 20, 2025, then away to Nigeria five days later.
The Warriors are in a group of death also comprising rivals South Africa, Rwanda, and Lesotho.
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