Kaizer Chiefs remain eight points behind rivals Orlando Pirates after the Buccaneers suffered a 2-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday night.
The Sea Robbers were aiming to stretch their lead at the top of the Betway Premiership to nine points.
Even a draw would have kept Pirates firmly in control, but defeat at the FNB Stadium has reopened the title race.
Chiefs, who at one stage appeared to be drifting out of contention, will now sense an opportunity. Although they trail the Buccaneers by eight points, Amakhosi still have two games in hand.
Victory against Stellenbosch FC would cut the gap to just five points, significantly tightening the standings.
Following that clash, Chiefs face Pirates in a potentially decisive , a fixture that could dramatically reshape the title picture.
A win for the Glamour Boys would not only bring them firmly back into contention but also pile pressure on Sundowns as well.
With Chiefs still scheduled to face Sundowns later in the campaign, the championship race remains wide open. Pirates’ loss has handed Amakhosi renewed belief and a clear path back into the fight.
Pirates and Chiefs to face off next weekend
Out of all cup competitions, the Naturena-based side can now focus solely on the league and that singular objective could yet prove decisive in the race for Premiership glory.
Before the derby against Pirates, Chiefs have Stellenbosch to play next week in a Betway Premiership clash.