The Marumo Gallants’ concerted search for a suitable candidate for the head coaching position has culminated with the appointment of French-born Alexandre Lafitte (28). The club announced today – Wednesday the youthful coach has been enlisted to begin the forthcoming 2025-26 Premier Soccer League (PSL), season.
Lafitte takes over the reins from Moroccan-born Abdeslam Ouaddou, whom Orlando Pirates unveiled on Monday as the head coach, replacing José Riveiro – who had an illustrious stint at the Soweto giants, amidst not winning the Premiership league title.
The Gallants were in the market to find a capable head coach following the dramatic resignation of Abdes, as Ouaddou is known in the Free State capital of Bloemfontein during his three-month spell.
The Gallants considers the Frenchman impressive record, that include guiding Ivory Coast team Stade Abidjan to win the league championship in 2023. He was just 25-years old then when he rewritten history book by winning the club’s first league title in 56 years.
Sello Nduna, spokesperson for Bahlabane ba Ntwa, said Lafitte is expected to arrive in South Africa in two weeks’ time to take charge of the team. He holds a UEFA A License and previously was French giants Paris Saint-Germain FC academy coach.MarumoGallantsforwar_15952
Nduna said the club’s pre-season training will officially begin next Tuesday, 1 July. The newly appointed French mentor is expected to work with the current technical personnel – co-assistant coaches Duncan Lechesa and Sundra Govinder, fitness trainers Amos Dhlomo and Mogomotsi Rangaka, as well as goalkeeper coach Jacob Mokhasi.
