It is For South Africa – Arubi
Supersport United’s vastly experienced Zimbabwean goalkeeper, Washington Arubi believes a good showing in the CAF Confederation Cup will not be good for the club, but for South Africa as well. Matsatsantsa A Pitori will play their first match away to Gaborone United in Botswana.
“It’s not only about SuperSport United but for South Africa as well and I would also like to wish all the local teams – Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, and Sekhukhune United who are representing SA on the continent the best of luck,” said Arubi who had a good run in the same tournament with Marumo Gallants last season.
After reaching the semifinals in his last campaign, Arubi knows a thing or two about traveling and playing on the African continent. He is one of the players coach Gavin Hunt will be looking to for leadership in a very young squad.
“I’m happy that all the rookies are excited with the task and the mood is 100% positive. Also, having experienced guys like myself, Onismor Bhasera, and Captain Thulani Hlatshwayo who have played in Africa before is a plus and a confidence booster for the rookies because they know they are not alone, we are going there to fight as a team,”
Supersport United easily got past Gaborone United in the same competition back in 2014, but Arubi wants the Saturday night clash at the National Stadium to be treated very seriously.
“If I’m not mistaken they were runners-up in their league last season, so it means they are a good side, so we must treat this one like a Cup final and fight for a positive result because coming second in a 16-team league is not an easy one,” stressed the big Zimbabwean goalminder.
The winner of the two-legged tie proceeds to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage after CAF removed the irritating Play-Off round that featured teams eliminated from the elite CAF Champions League preliminary round. Gaborone United versus Supersport United kicks off at 19:00 in the National Stadium, Gaborone, Botswana.
