Marumo Gallants ready to put pre-season work to the test

The Frenchman will get his first taste of South African football, having been appointed coach of Bahlabane ba Ntwa just last month.

He is replacing Abdeslam Ouaddou, who has since moved on to Orlando Pirates. Marumo finished 10th last term after a difficult start, and Lafitte wants to change that.

"I think the opening match is very important because we really want to get off to a good start.

"We've got exciting young players in this project, and we intend to play with a lot of intensity to win the first game, " said the young coach. 

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The 28-year-old says he’s happy with the squad he’s inherited, but could still make a few additions before the close of the transfer window.

"I think we have great players, and there is a good balance in the team in a variety of positions."

The Bloemfontein-based side had a pre-season camp in Rustenburg recently, and even played in a four-team tournament involving Orbit College and two teams from Botswana – Jwaneng Galaxy and Mochudi Centre Chiefs FC.

Lafitte says it was good for his team’s confidence ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

He also revealed what it was exactly that he worked on during pre-season, and what he was looking to get out of his team.

"My first job was to improve the methodology and the project, because for me, that is important, as it allows all the players to be on the same page and striving for the same goals."