Marumo Gallants Go Top of the Table as Lafitte’s Late Magic Strikes Again

Marumo Gallants Go Top of the Table as Lafitte’s Late Magic Strikes Again

Two games, two 90th-minute winners. Are Gallants becoming the PSL’s comeback kings?

The 2025/26 Betway Premiership may only be two rounds in, but Marumo Gallants are already making serious noise. On Tuesday night, they stunned Orlando Pirates with a last-gasp 2-1 victory that sent them to the top of the log — and sent a message to the rest of the league.

Gallants, who have now won both of their opening matches with dramatic late goals, look to be a side brimming with belief under the guidance of French head coach Alexandre Lafitte.

And if their gutsy win over the Buccaneers is anything to go by, they’re not just riding luck — they’re executing a game plan that’s proving hard to crack.

Lafitte’s blueprint: patience, pressure, and precision

Speaking after the match, Lafitte was visibly proud of his players and their growing confidence on the pitch.

“Honestly, I’m very happy for the team, the fans, and the club,” said Lafitte. “It was a difficult game because Pirates are a fantastic team. But I think the game plan was good. When we didn’t have the ball, we pressed high early, but settled in deeper when needed. And when we had possession, we looked for the free player.”

The strategy paid off with a beautiful opening goal, but Pirates — last season’s runners-up — didn’t fold easily. They clawed their way back, forcing Gallants to absorb pressure for much of the second half.

“We had moments of difficulty,” admitted Lafitte. “Their athletic quality gave us trouble, but we finished strong with fresh legs and scored the winner.”

90-minute mentality

For the second match in a row, it was a late strike that sealed the three points for Gallants. That clutch factor is fast becoming a signature trait of this side.

“In both games, we’ve scored in the 90th minute,” said Lafitte. “That’s good for the mentality and mindset. We’ve worked hard for that.”

With six points from two matches, Gallants are the only team in the Premiership with a perfect record. While it’s still early days, the mental resilience and tactical discipline they’ve shown hint at a team with more than just early-season momentum.

What does this mean for Pirates?

While Gallants rise, Orlando Pirates are facing a different reality — two games, zero points. Their slow start is sparking concern among fans on social media, with #FireRiveiro briefly trending on X (formerly Twitter) after the defeat.

For a club with continental ambitions, sitting at the bottom of the log is not part of the plan. And with the Soweto Derby looming on the horizon, pressure is mounting.

A sign of things to come?

Lafitte remains grounded despite the flying start.

“For the future, it’s important to keep improving how we use the ball,” he said. “But for now, it’s a good start.”

With the kind of belief that turns dying minutes into decisive ones, Marumo Gallants may just be this season’s surprise package. And with Lafitte steering the ship, don’t be shocked if they keep punching above their weight — right to the final whistle.

Source: SABC Spot

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