Online Reporter
Marumo Gallants coach Alexandre Lafitte has hailed Zimbabwe national team goalkeeper, Washington Arubi for his heroics as they booked a date with Orlando Pirates in the final at Peter Mokaba Stadium on December 6.
Gallants beat Arrows 4-2 on penalties in the semifinal on Sunday at King Zwelithini Stadium after the match finished 2-2 in regulation time with Arubi saving two of the efforts.
Arubi was also a hero when they eliminated Sundowns in the last 16 on penalties.
“Honestly, Arubi is like this. He can even take penalties. It was a difficult game, but when you have Arubi in goal, he can help you in those crucial moments. I trust him completely,” he said.
“At the beginning of extra time, we wanted to attack, but the players were tired, and we decided to play for penalties.”
What makes Lafitte confident about their chances in the final is that they have already beaten the Buccaneers in the Betway Premiership this season and said they have a team capable of completing a double.
“I think I have a team, and all the players are ready and focused on the same objective, and for that I’m confident against Pirates, but we are still far away,” Lafitte told the media after the match.
“We won the last game against Pirates at home; we have a few games before the final, and we must collect at least five points.
“We are playing a final, and you know when you are there, you want to win. We have time to prepare for it and to analyse.”
Lafitte was also pleased with their character throughout the match and hopes they will show the same in the final.
“Fantastic results for the team and the club; I’m very happy for that. It is good to be in the final. It was a difficult game, a different moment. “We played an exciting game, and we could have won 2-1, but we conceded. I like the mentality I saw from the team to have the mindset to go to penalties, and I’m thrilled to win from there.” – Sports Reporter/Sowetan
