Marumo Gallants have announced the appointment of Frenchman Lafitte Alexandre as the new head coach of the club heading into the new campaign.
The 28-year-old trainer joins Marumo Gallants as a replacement of Abdeslam Ouaddou following his departure at the end of the campaign. The Moroccan tactician recently left the club to join Orlando Pirates.
The young French tactician impressed in the recently concluded campaign, guiding Stade Abidjan to secure the Ivorian Championship, ending a 56-year title drought for the club.
“Marumo Gallants FC confirms the appointment of Lafitte Alexandre as the club’s new Head Coach,” said the club in a statement.
“The 28-year-old French coach brings a strong track record in leading teams in both France and Côte d’Ivoire. Alexandre most recently managed Stade d’Abidjan, where he guided the team to the Ivorian League title and qualification for the CAF Champions League group stages in the 2023/24 season.
“His appointment follows the departure of Abdeslam Ouaddou, who parted ways with the club at the end of the recent season.” a statement from the club reads.
At 28, Lafitte is the youngest coach in the Premier Soccer League and he takes over the Gallants job after helping Stade d’Abidjan to the Ivorian league title.
A former youth coach at Paris Saint-Germain, he was also the youngest coach in the CAF Champions League last season.
The Frenchman arrives in South Africa with Orlando Pirates familiar opponents for him after twice meeting them with Stade d’Abidjan in the Champions League group stage last term.
Lafitte joins a club which recently released 12 players and that gives him a lot of work to do in the transfer market.
He will be building a new squad as Marumo Gallants attempt to stabilise the club in the top division after flirting with relegation last season
