Success came quickly as he not only kept the struggling Ivorian club in the top division that year, but would see them qualify for the CAF Champions League and ultimately win a first domestic championship since 1969.
He now has the chance for more silverware having guided Gallants to the final of the Carling Knockout in South Africa, where they will face giants Orlando Pirates on December 6.
They will be heavy underdogs, but Lafitte is used to punching above his weight in his short, but successful coaching career to date.
He left Abidjan for a fresh challenge in a bigger league in South Africa, and now has the chance for almost instant success, as he shares his coaching journey with Flashscore.
He admits he has had to adapt quickly to the head coach role, including finding the Abidjan side in the relegation zone when he joined, but experiences like the Champions League have helped to mould him.
“It was about the game plan, and I changed the mentality,” Lafitte says of his time at Stade d'Abidjan. “When I first arrived, the team was in a bad place – things weren’t going well. But over time, we were able to recruit the right players and build a more balanced squad.
“I believe the team’s real strength was in its unity – our ability to work together, to develop, and to build a strong mentality. We shared the same ambition, and that makes it possible to work hard and believe in ourselves.
“When you have a solid game plan and a clear methodology, the players enjoy playing. They see the results, and that motivates them to come to training and to keep pushing. That’s how we can build something special – a story, and a team of real quality."
The Champions League campaign in 2024/25 was both challenging and hugely rewarding, despite the team going out in the group stages.
“For us, it was a great experience – and also great fun. We were a young team, so it was a good result just to reach the group stage of the Champions League," he said.
“Before that, we eliminated the champions of Senegal and the champions of Guinea (in the preliminary rounds), which already showed the team's performance and progress.
"Once you're in the group stage, you're up against very strong teams. Still, I think we had some good performances – especially the match in Abidjan where we drew 1–1 with Orlando Pirates, and even against Al Ahly, we were leading 1–0 at halftime.
“But in the end, the difference came down to the level of the players, the staff, and the overall structure behind the big clubs. That’s where the gap really shows. So yes, it was a valuable experience.”
Lafitte’s father is a well-known table tennis coach in his native France and while he has borrowed parts of his style of teaching, in terms of football philosophy he is very clear.
“When we have the ball, I like to control the team through positioning – different positions depending on the game. I want to find free players between the lines and attack with purpose.
“I also like to attack with numerical superiority, and when we don't have the ball, I want us to press with high intensity. I like to control the opponent, even when we're defending.
“When we have the ball, we aim to impose our style. I believe in open, attacking football. It’s possible to concede. I accept that – we have an offensive approach.
“Sometimes that means taking risks, and with risks come mistakes and defeats. It’s a choice, and I accept the consequences because I believe in our style."
Lafitte is hoping to do his UEFA Pro license soon but says his age, still only 28, is not a factor when he deals with many players who are older than him.
“I don't think age is a problem,” he said. “What really matters is having a clear idea when you come in with the intention to improve the players and develop the team. I think it’s actually a strength to be close in age to the players because you can really understand them.
“We're from the same generation, and that helps build a strong relationship. But of course, there also has to be structure, a clear set of rules and discipline within the group.
“Once the players understand that, they can focus on growing, enjoying themselves, and striving to win. It’s important to be firm but also to understand each player's personality – who they are as a person.
“That’s the foundation for building a good relationship. I’m good at creating a positive environment and giving the team a sense of opportunity. At the end of the day, everyone wants to win.
“Everyone wants to bring energy to reach that goal. And when you have a clear structure and build strong relationships, you can create a powerful team – and that’s when big things become possible.”
Gallants have already defeated Pirates in the league this season after a 2-1 home win, but Lafitte knows they are heavy underdogs in the Carling Knockout decider.
“The players will be ready to focus on the same objective and I’m confident for the Orlando Pirates match,” Lafitte said.
“When you play the final, you want to win. I know the Pirates team, I know the players.”