The result also means Gallants have a perfect record after two matches under new boss Alexandre Lafitte.
Pirates started strongly, with Boitumelo Radiopane testing Gallants goalkeeper Washington Arubi in the very first minute. The pressure didn’t stop there. In the 16th minute, Deon Hotto whipped in a low cross that Patrick Maswanganyi coolly finished to give Pirates the lead. Minutes later, Arubi kept Gallants alive with a heroic triple save, diving full stretch to deny Oswin Appollis before blocking two quick follow-up efforts.
Just when it seemed Pirates would take control, Gallants struck back on the stroke of halftime. A slick passing move ended with Daniel Msendami smashing home a close-range volley, sending the home crowd into wild celebrations.
The second half saw Pirates dominate possession, throwing everything forward in search of a winner. But Gallants stayed disciplined, closing down space and waiting for the right moment to hit on the counter. That moment came deep into stoppage time. A quick break from their own half ended with substitute Jaisen Clifford arriving unmarked at the far post to slot home the winner, and send Pirates fans home stunned.
It’s a tough start for Ouaddou, who now has back-to-back defeats to open his tenure after also losing to Sekhukhune United last week. In contrast, Gallants’ 28-year-old coach Alexandre Lafitte is off to a dream start, collecting maximum points in his first two matches in South Africa’s top flight.
