Zimbabwe head coach Michael Nees has made it clear that he’s not looking to create competition for first-choice goalkeeper Washington Arubi, effectively shutting the door on in-form goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze.
This decision comes despite Chipezeze’s impressive performances for Magesi FC, where he’s been instrumental in their success, including winning four consecutive Man of the Match awards in the Carling Knockout Cup.
However, Michael Nees clarified the goalkeeping situation after releasing a squad of 23 players ahead of the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers where Zimbabwe will host Benin in South Africa before they travel to Nigeria for a match against the Super Eagles on March 25.
The Warriors, are in dire need of points as they enter the next round of fixtures, currently languishing at the bottom of the table with two points, a significant five points adrift of the leaders.
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In his press conference, Michael Nees explained his decision to stick with Washington Arubi as his first-choice goalkeeper, citing the player’s crucial role in helping the team qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“Washington Arubi and Khama Billiat, I brought back into this team because I thought something was lacking, they exceeded our expectations. They helped us to qualify for the Afcon [Africa Cup of Nations]. They were instrumental together with all the other players. So, Washington is my number one.”
Nees emphasized that having two strong goalkeepers competing for the top spot can be counterproductive, and he wants to avoid creating unnecessary tension. Instead, he prefers to have a clear hierarchy, with Arubi as his undisputed number one.
“I don’t want two alpha animals as number one A or number one B. On the goalkeeper, sometimes too much competition cannot be good. If something happens to Washington, we are ready to act. But Washington deserves the respect for helping us qualify.”
Nees also highlighted the importance of loyalty in his decision-making process, suggesting that Arubi’s contributions to the team’s AFCON qualification campaign have earned him a special place in the squad.
“And if another goalkeeper would have been chosen instead of Washington at that time, and he would have helped us to qualify, he would also deserve respect. For me, loyalty is also something very important.”
Despite clarifying his goalkeeper selection, Zimbabwe’s coach Michael Nees knows that the team’s primary focus must be on securing crucial wins against Benin and Nigeria in order to keep their 2026 World Cup hopes alive.
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