We must learn from this – Lafitte reflects on Gallants’ Carling Knockout loss

Marumo Gallants head coach Alexandre Lafitte cut a measured figure after his side’s extra-time defeat to Orlando Pirates in the Carling Knockout Cup final, insisting the experience must become a turning point for his developing team.

Gallants pushed the Buccaneers for 120 minutes before falling to Relebohile Mofokeng’s 104th-minute strike, a moment that separated resilience from reward on a night they otherwise showed immense character.

Lafitte acknowledged the difficulty of facing a side as stacked and settled as Pirates, explaining that their approach depended largely on the quality gap between the squads.

“There is two ways to play against Pirates but that depends on the level of the team (in terms of quality),” he said.

He praised his players for their application and tactical discipline throughout the final but pointed to a crucial loss of composure at the worst possible moment.

“I’m very happy about the performance of the team but when you play a team as strong as Pirate, you need to stay calm and we didn’t in that moment they scored goal and that decided but I’m happy about the showing but disappointed about the results,” he said.

Despite the disappointment, Lafitte’s tone carried a clear sense of perspective and long-term focus.

He framed the defeat not as a setback but as a necessary step in the growth of a group still adjusting to top-flight intensity.

“I think it’s going to be really important to learn from this experience, it’s important that we understand that some situations are difficult to play and at these moments we need to stick together.”

The Frenchman emphasised that progress will depend heavily on consistency — not only in results but in understanding and trusting the team’s tactical identity.

“Secondly, it’s going to be important how the players understand how we play as a team and we did have those periods today but it should get better over time as long as we believe in the project and game plan.”

Gallants go into the AFCON break sitting 12th in the Betway Premiership, only four points above the relegation zone.

The cup run brought belief and momentum, but the league remains their true battleground, where survival is the minimum requirement.

With January approaching, recruitment naturally came up — especially given Gallants’ struggle for goals this season.

But Lafitte was forthright about the realities facing the club.

“Yes it’s true we have a slight problem in not being able to score, I believe in my team and we’ll continue to work and improve step by step.

“I’m not sure whether recruitment is possible so it’s vital we work with the same team because we know these players.”

His words reflected both limitation and loyalty.

Gallants may not have the financial muscle to overhaul their squad, but they do have a coach preaching patience, structure and unity, even under pressure.

And if their performance in the Carling Knockout final is anything to go by, Gallants have enough fight and organisation to stay competitive — provided they heed Lafitte’s message of calmness in critical moments.