Moroka Swallows leaped to second on the Premiership table in thrilling fashion with an emphatic 5-2 win over Black Leopards in Giyani on Friday night.
They remained firmly in title contention with two matches left to play. They are on 50 points, two behind log-leading Orlando Pirates.
Swallows, the formerly dormant Soweto giants, have lost just four matches in the league, the fewest of any team.
All seven goals Ä including three braces Ä came in a frenetic last 33 minutes after scores were deadlocked at 0-0 at the half-time interval.
The flood gates opened after industrious midfielder Georgi Nergadze headed in the opener in the 57th minute, before the league's leading scorer Siyabonga Nomvethe scored twice after 71
and 80 minutes.
Nomvethe has now increased his goal tally to 18 for the season, and is strongly playing himself back into contention for a Bafana
Bafana call-up.
Substitute striker Mpho Maleka sealed matters with a brace of his own in the 82nd and 85th minutes, as Leopards fell away.
However, Kingston Nkhatha did find a consolation brace for the Limpopo outfit in the 87th minute and in referee's optional time in a lukewarm second half showing.
It was a deserved victory for coach Gordon Igesund's charges, who were the better team in the first half despite the 0-0 score at the break.
Leopards, though, had done well in the first half and did not allow space for Swallows to manoeuvre.
The visitors only manufactured two clear chances through Lerato Chabangu and Nomvethe, that did not trouble the net.
The hosts' best opportunity in the match came from Tiyani Mabunda's shot that was tipped over the bar by Swallows goalkeeper Greg Etafia in the 25th minute.
Leopards were lethargic in the second half, possibly, the Caf Confederation Cup trip to Nigeria on the weekend playing a factor.
Pressure mounted on the bench as well when Swallows ran away with proceedings as coach Vladislav Heric and technical advisor, Sunday Chidzambwa, were seemingly arguing on the next step.
Leopards remain in relegation threat and in 14th place on the log with 24 points – one above Santos.
They have three matches to survive returning to the First Division. – Sapa