Gallants bank on Ndlondlo to spark midfield revival

Marumo Gallants coach Alexandre Lafitte says his side must learn from their setback against AmaZulu and return stronger in the matches ahead.

Gallants made a flying start to the season, collecting six points from their opening two fixtures, including a notable 2-1 victory over Orlando Pirates at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium. However, their momentum stalled at the Princess Magogo Stadium, where a Keegan Allan strike on the stroke of halftime handed them a 1-0 defeat to AmaZulu.

The goal proved decisive as Siwelele sa Marumo struggled to recover and were unable to build on their early-season promise. Lafitte admitted his side could have done better and regretted the missed opportunities on the night.

“It was difficult because we lost a lot of balls in the first half,” Lafitte said.

“It was difficult thereafter because we also conceded the goal just before halftime. We were better in the second half, winning some balls; we had an opportunity to score some goals, but we did not, but it will be important to improve on the ball and finishing.”

At just 28 years old, the French coach believes Gallants are capable of bouncing back quickly from their first setback. He backed his team to take the lessons forward as they now shift focus to their next challenge against Stellenbosch FC.

Lafitte also revealed that the club has set a points target for every five games, and despite the defeat, they remain on track.

“We have a focus on five games to get a minimum of ten points, and it’s possible, so it’s important to learn from our mistakes and prepare for upcoming matches. It will be important to win against Stellenbosch, and then we will have the last game against Polokwane City.”

Off the pitch, the Bloemfontein-based outfit has been active in the transfer market. They secured the services of former Orlando Pirates midfielder Phillip Ndlondlo, a signing that Lafitte is particularly excited about.

The 30-year-old left Pirates at the end of last season, and he joins a Gallants side looking to rebuild after cleaning house ahead of this campaign.

The Bafana Bafana midfielder was part of the squad that competed at the African Nations Championship, where South Africa narrowly missed out on reaching the knockout stages. Having played competitive football recently, he is expected to join Gallants sharp and ready.

“He is a good recruit,” Lafitte continued.

“I hope he will be ready for our future games. It’s important to improve the squad, so, by the end of September, the team will be ready.”