Marumo Gallants Coach Lafitte Reflects On Carling Knockout Final Loss To Orlando Pirates

Marumo Gallants head coach Alexandre Lafitte has explained why his team fell short in the Carling Knockout final, losing 1-0 to Orlando Pirates at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. A goal by Relebohile Mofokeng in extra time decided the match after both sides remained goalless during regulation time.

Lafitte praised his team’s performance but admitted that finishing their chances proved costly. He said the extra-time goal came at a moment when the team lacked balance, allowing Pirates to capitalize. Despite the loss, he highlighted that the team maintained good ball control, a positive for their future development.

The coach provided context for his substitution of Bheki Mabuza, citing an injury, and said Daniel Msendami performed well in his place. Lafitte explained that the plan was to push the game to penalties, but conceding two minutes before the extra-time half disrupted that strategy. Energy levels declined in the second half of extra time, limiting the team’s attacking capacity.

Lafitte acknowledged Gallants’ ongoing challenges with scoring but expressed confidence in his squad. He stressed that work continues alongside club president Abram Sello to improve the team gradually. The coach remains committed to developing the team’s project and believes the future holds potential despite the setback in the final.