Bush Bucks FC look certain to return to soccer's Premier League after their hard-fought 2-1 victory over FC Fortune at the Wynberg military camp on Sunday.
They need one point from their three remaining games.
Bucks were relegated at the end of last season.
Bucks coach, former ball wizard Mlungisi "Professor" Ngubane, was excited about the victory, but made glowing comments about the opposition.
"We've played all the teams in the league, but today FC Fortune gave us our toughest match. They were good in defence and their attack kept me on my nerves as they put on the pressure after we scored," said Ngubane.
Bucks' opening goal was scored by former Cape Town Spurs and Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Dennis Vukubi, two minutes into the second half.
The 1-0 scoreline seemed set to be the winning margin, but FC Fortune's super-sub Solomon Mithi gave the home side hope when he scored the equaliser in the 88th minute.
Not to be outdone, Bucks substitute Shaun Hashick netted the winner 20 seconds later.
Both goalkeepers, Mark Kapman (FC) and Congolese Tampungu Dikete (Bucks) were outstanding.
Bucks have been unbeaten since Ngubane joined them in January as a successor to Ramadhan Nsanzurwimo.
The other title-chasers, Avendale Athletico, now have to be satisfied with playing for second position.
They scored a 3-0 win over African Wanderers at the Wynberg sports club on Sunday.
Fadlu Davids, Kenwyn Manuel and Dikiso Masakala netted for Avendale.
Clive Philander's Avendale team will be away to Basotho Tigers in Kimberley on Sunday.
Premier United (Hellenic) sprang a surprise when they beat Vasco da Gama 3-2 at Parow Park on Sunday, coming back from a 2-1 deficit at the interval.
Premier opened the scoring within the first two minutes through Koena Mathopa.
Then Vasco fought back and went into a 2-1 lead via Omar Hendricks and Stephen Parma.
However, Vasco were unfortunate to lose their star midfielder, Tipa Bienvenu, who was shown a red card by referee Jerome Damon.
Although battling with 10 players, Vasco fluffed a few scoring chances.
Premier, on the other hand, took their chances and scored through Meshack Klaas and Mathopa.
Premier will be home to Park United at the Bellville sports ground on Sunday.
Vasco da Gama play champions-in-waiting Bush Bucks in East London on Sunday.
Durban Stars moved into third position on Sunday by beating Basotho Tigers 2-0 at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi.
Philani Njapha and midfielder Ntokozo Makhanya scored.
Uthukela dropped one place after losing 2-1 to Rainbow Stars at Zwide Stadium in Port Elizabeth.
Maritzburg United moved into seventh position with a 1-1 draw with Maritzburg City at Harry Gwala Stadium.
Park United beat Blackburn Rovers 4-1 in Port Elizabeth.