On Friday evening at a packed Philippi Stadium, the Chilli Boys, netting twice in the opening ten minutes, overpowered lowly Maluti FET College 3-2 to move up to 48 points.
Chippa's top striker, George Akpabio, hit his ninth goal of the season while his Nigerian compatriot, James Okwuosa, and Sipho Mtule were also on the score sheet.
Bakgaga beat African Warriors 2-1 at Charles Mopeli to secure their 42nd point. Victor Letsoalo and Thabo Ralebakeng netted for the visitors with Warriors' goal coming from Vincent Pule.
In an amazing display, Lidoda Duvha hammered Duncan Lechesa's Sivutsa Stars 6-1 to also reach the forty-point mark (41) and simultaneously give their goal difference a huge boost.
A hat-trick by Sanele Mkize coupled with strikes from Max Munyai, Edgar Manaka and the NFD's top marksman, David Zulu (his 16th), has certainly lifted Leopards confidence at a time when it's most needed.
Also on song were Ezenkosi and Vasco da Gama who grabbed vital 1-0 wins over Santos and Milano respectively.
Cosmos had to rely on a very late strike from the reliable Lehlohonolo Nonyane in a game, which saw Santos reduced to ten men following Nasief Morris' early shower.
"Jomo" Sono's team now sits in fourth spot with 38 points.
Brent Adonis slotted home Vasco's winner, their first in almost ten attempts, that moves Keenin Lesch's side up to 37 points, level with Milano.
A nine-man Thanda Royal Zulu surprised United 1-0 to give their survival hopes a big boost.
FC Cape Town easily beat relegation candidates Blackburn Rovers 3-1 in Parow with first half strikes from Prince Nxumalo, Cyril Mashego and Andile Khumalo.
The visitors' defence was far too weak, only good work from teenage goalkeeper, Ludwe Mpakumpaku, kept the score down but AmaRover are now all but condemned.
Clinton Larsen's Roses United moved level on points with Rovers after a goalless draw against Witbank Spurs, however, the Bloemfontein outfit are also on the brink of returning to the third-tier.
