Orlando Pirates may be chasing their second trophy in five months under Abdeslam Ouaddou, but Marumo Gallants’ 28-year-old French tactician is determined to spoil the party.
Alexandre Lafitte, in just his third season as a head coach, has already won the Ivorian League with Stade d’Abidjan, their first title in 56 years.
ORLANDO PIRATES WARNED BY MARUMO GALLANTS COACH ALEXANDRE LAFITTE
Ahead of facing the Buccaneers in the Carling Knockout (CKO) final at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on 6 December, Lafitte seemingly has something up his sleeve: “I think I have a team, the players will be ready to focus on the same objective,” he said via iDiski Times. “And I’m confident for the Orlando Pirates match, but it’s still gonna take a long time before we play the match.”
The UEFA A Licence holder continued: “Before that, we will play three league games. We must take at least a minimum of five points. We’re not playing most games at home, and being away is difficult. Thereafter, it will be a final.
“When you play the final, you want to win. But we will have time to prepare, analyse Orlando Pirates and their players. I know the team, I know the players, but it’s still gonna take long time. So, we have time to prepare for it.”
THE JOURNEYS TO THE FINAL
The Buccaneers booked their place in the final with a tense 1-0 win over Richards Bay, thanks to Tshepang Moremi’s definitive goal, while Gallants edged Golden Arrows 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Gallants side will be appearing in their second cup final in three years, having narrowly lost 2-1 to Mamelodi Sundowns in the 2022 Nedbank Cup.
Confidence is high at Gallants, nicknamed Bahlabane Ba Ntwa, beat Orlando Pirates 2-1 earlier this season at Orlando Stadium, with Daniel Msendami and Jaisen Clifford striking after Patrick Maswanganyi had opened the scoring for the Buccaneers.
Still, history favours Bucs. In 11 games against each other, the Sea Robbers have six wins, Gallants three, and two draws, including last season’s unforgettable 8-1 drubbing at Orlando Stadium.
Also read: What will happen if Orlando Pirates win the CAF case?