On Sunday, the Bloemfontein-based Premier Soccer League outfit booked their place in the final against Orlando Pirates after edging Golden Arrows 4-2 on penalties at the King Zwelithini Stadium, after the semi-final in Durban ended 2-2 after added extra time. It was Gallants’ third semi-final in the past year after reaching the last four of the League Cup in the 2024/25 season and the Nedbank Cup, where they lost 1-0 to Pirates. 

When they last faced the Buccaneers in the National Cup last season, Abdes Ouaddou, now the Pirates coach, was still in charge of Marumo.

Jaisen Clifford. Photo: Morgan Piek

Marumo did, however, match to claim a clutch 2-1 win against Ouaddou and his Sea Robbers during round two of the PSL, that to a last-ditch goal by Jaisen Clifford at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium.

On their road to the final, Gallants stunned Mamelodi Sundowns 7-6 on penalties in the round of 16, and then thrashed Stellenbosch FC 4-0 in a rain-soaked Bloemfontein.

After Sunday’s dramatic victory over the Lamontville side, the 28-year-old French tactician, Lafitte, said anything is possible in a cup final, and he fancies his team’s chances.

Washington Arubi. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I have a team capable of competing with any strong opponent because everyone is focused on the same objective. I’m confident of beating the Pirates, but that’s not my concern for now; we’ll face them when the time comes. 

“We won our last home game against them, and that gives us confidence. When you play a final, you play to win. We’ll have enough time to prepare, analyse them, and come up with the right strategy.”

Captain Fantastic Washington Arubi, who pulled off two vital saves in the shootout, said the team is in a great space heading into the decider.

Alexandre Lafitte. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It’s a massive achievement for us to reach the final, and I want to thank everyone at the club for the hard work they’ve put in,” said the 40-year-old Zimbabwean international goalkeeper.

“It’s been a big shift from where we started to where we are now. We’re honoured as players and will stay level-headed, keep working hard, and push for more success.”

Gallants will now turn their focus back to the league after suffering back-to-back defeats, 4-0 to Arrows and 1-0 to Durban City, in the past week. Their next PSL clash is on 22 November when they host Eric Tinkler’s Sekhukhune United in Bloemfontein.

The Carling Knockout Cup final between Pirates and Gallants takes place on 6 December at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, with kick-off time still to be confirmed by the PSL.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh