Alexandre Lafitte demands clinical edge as Marumo Gallants face relegation scrap

Marumo Gallants coach Alexandre Lafitte has urged his side to sharpen up in front of goal and across all areas of their game after they went down 1–0 to Kaizer Chiefs in a Betway Premiership clash on Wednesday.

Gallants’ resilience and impressive home unbeaten run were brought to an end as they reached the halfway stage of their league campaign, having come through several stern tests earlier in the season, including a notable 2–1 victory over Orlando Pirates.

A thunderous long-range strike from Glody Lilepo proved the difference for Amakhosi, and while Siwelele sa Marumo showed flashes of promise and created a number of decent chances, the defeat leaves them hovering uncomfortably close to the relegation zone, marking their seventh loss of the campaign.

Gallants were arguably the better side in the first half, but their inability to maintain that intensity after the interval proved costly, as Chiefs took advantage to claim maximum points.

“It’s a bit frustrating because we manage to create a lot of good situations to score, but the big difference between us and our opponents is some of their individual brilliance,” Lafitte said after the match.

“It’s important to be perfect collectively, and at the moment it’s important to score and avoid conceding goals.”

Lafitte highlighted finishing as one of the major concerns for his side, noting that while they are creating chances, they continue to struggle with converting them and conceding at crucial moments.

“Finishing is the problem, but we also find solutions and then we still concede goals. I know it’s difficult, but you need to have the same intensity,” he continued.

“In the second half, our players decreased their intensity, and with that we created opportunities for the opponents to score. If we scored in the first half, the game would have turned out differently.”

Despite the setback, the French-born coach remains confident that Gallants can still mount a strong challenge if they address the finer details. Ahead of a tough encounter against high-flying AmaZulu on Saturday, the 28-year-old believes his side can regroup and respond positively.

“It will be a different opponent, and it will be important to be ready.

“It will be important to improve, have a positive mindset, and go into the AmaZulu game with belief that we can win that match.”

Gallants recently parted ways with Daniel Msendami and Mpho Chabatsane, who both completed moves to Pirates during the current transfer window. 

However, the club has reinforced its squad with the signings of Ivorian striker Romaric Dognimin Ouattara, Zambian forward Emmanuel Mwiinde, and former AmaZulu winger Msindisi Kunene.

Lafitte believes the new arrivals could play a vital role in helping the club push for improved results and regain momentum during the remainder of the season.

“I think Saturday will offer us the opportunity for our new players to come into the side, as they needed a bit more time to be ready.

“I hope that with the new recruits we can push for more impact, because we need players who can make a difference. We need to win on Saturday, and we need to use players that are ready to perform."