Mamelodi Sundowns cemented their status as title favourites in the South African Premier Soccer League with a crushing 4-1 victory over Bloemfontein Celtic on Saturday, but the relegation woes of defending champions BidVest Wits continued.
There was also a surprise 2-1 loss for Orlando Pirates at Free State Stars, while Kaizer Chiefs claimed a 1-0 'home' win over Ajax Cape Town in Durban.
Sundowns are now six points ahead of second-placed Chiefs, but have played two games less, and having won five and drawn one of their last six league encounters, the momentum is very much with 'The Brazilians'.
Celtic were without Serbian coach Veselin Jelusic, who had returned to Europe to complete his UEFA badges, and it showed in a disjointed performance.
After a goalless first half, Thokozani Sekotlong headed Sundowns ahead, before Tiyani Mabunda fired home a rocket shot from the edge of the box to make it 2-0.
Zimbabwe international Ronald Pfumbidzai pulled a goal back for Celtic, but Percy Tau scored his fourth goal in as many game to restore the two-goal lead. Themba Zwane added a fourth for the rampant home side.
Pirates suffered a surprise away loss as Free State Stars were handed a second half lead thanks to an own goal from Abbubaker Mobara as the Buccaneers defender simply passed the ball into to his own net.
Thabiso Kutumela drew Pirates level on the hour mark, but Sinethemba Jantjie popped up with a winner that takes Stars into third place in the league.
Chiefs dominated proceedings against Ajax but needed a late goal from substitute Dumisani Zuma to secure victory.
They have now won back-to-back matches for the first time since April, a fine way to go into the festive season break for under-fire coach Steve Komphela.
The expected revival at Wits shows no sign of arriving as they lost 1-0 to fellow strugglers Platinum Stars. Robert Ng;ambi headed home his 49th goal for Dikwena to seal the victory, and ease the pressure on coach Roger de Sa.
Few believe Wits are genuine relegation candidates, but just 11 point from 14 games suggests otherwise and coach Gavin Hunt will be desperate for some New Year cheer.
Rodney Ramagalela scored the only goal as Polokwane City claimed an excellent 1-0 away win at Chippa United to ease their own relegation woes.