Orlando Pirates are the closest team to challenging Mamelodi Sundowns for the league, and former captain Lucky Lekgwathi believes they have what it takes to push for the Betway Premiership title.
Lekgwathi, who led Pirates to a famous double treble more than a decade ago, has expressed satisfaction with the way the side have been going about their business this season.
The Ghost, though, crave the league title the most, and perhaps even more so now after the CAF Champions League disappointment of a semi-final exit.
They are nine points behind log leaders Sundowns, though have two games in hand, with just a handful of fixtures left before the end of the season.
"Pirates are still in the race for the title challenge. This fight will do down to the wire," declares Lekgwathi, speaking to KickOff.com.
"You know after winning against Sundowns (in March), we gave ourselves better chances of fighting for the league title. We needed that win. That's why I am saying that Pirates can still push for the league title. It's still within their reach," added 'Phinda Mzala'.
The Soshanguve-born man further observed that winning the league during head coach Jose Riveiro's last season would be the best farewell gift for him and the team.
"I think the players want to reward the coach with the league title. They have done well in other competitions, winning five trophies already, and to win the league title in the coach's season would be th best reward they would give him.
"That's I am saying that Pirates can still push for the league title and reward the coach."
Bucs next face Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday, with kick-off at 19:30.
