BLOEMFONTEIN – There is always a first time in football history, and it is possible for clubs and coaches to win their maiden major trophy upon reaching the final. This significant piece of history holds true for the Carling Knockout Cup.
Two South African clubs that recently achieved this remarkable feat in this tournament are Stellenbosch FC in 2023 and Magesi FC in 2024. The Marumo Gallants could add their name to this list with a victory over Orlando Pirates in a supercharged final to take place at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday 6 December.
Stellenbosch was crowned the inaugural Carling Knockout champion after a 5 − 4 win over TS Galaxy via a penalty shootout. Magesi pulled a major upset − defeating the Mamelodi Sundowns 2 − 1 in the final in Bloemfontein. This victory stands out specifically for Magesi as it came barely months into their maiden season in the South African top-flight division.
The Bahlabane ba Ntwa face a tough outfit in Pirates, who are in a rich vein of form. The Gallants will be up against their former Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who helped them to avoid relegation during his three-month stint. The Moroccan has his eyes on this trophy as his second major accolade while his French counterpart, Alexander Lafitte, hunts his first-ever major cup.
Lafitte is the youngest coach to lead a team in a major cup final in South Africa. The club is chasing its second trophy under the current franchise.
In truth, this is a litmus test for the Gallants to tussle with the Buccaneers who are well-balanced in every department. The Pirates players possess the ability to play a high-tempo game, and exploit different avenues to create and score goals. The club’s dribbling wizards such as Dion Hotto, Relebohile Mofokeng, Tshepang Moremi, and Kamogelo Sebelebele attack with resilience.
However, Lafitte is optimistic about his team’s ability to rise to the occasion against the Buccaneers come Saturday. Additional motivation comes from the elimination of Sundowns via penalties. The Frenchman is drawing on his knack for remarkable achievements, having guided Côte d’Ivoire team Stade Abidjan to win the Ivorian Ligue 1 in 2023 − the club’s first league title in 56 years.
Lafitte has the tried and tested captain and shot-stopper Washington Arubi for crucial moments of the adrenaline-pumping final. He is not overly concerned with the lack of firepower in this team.
“Anything is possible in the final. Honestly, I know my players, and this is an important final for the players and the club. We are ready for the final. What is important is to convert scoring chances we create,” said Lafitte.
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