MAMELODI Sundowns defender Ramahlwe Mphahlele believes Bidvest Wits now have the advantage in the Absa Premiership title race after the Clever Boys were knocked out of the CAF Confederation Cup at the weekend.

Gavin Hunt's men were eliminated following a 7-6 defeat on penalties in the preliminary round against Royal Leopards in Swaziland, while fellow title challengers Sundowns and leaders Kaizer Chiefs still have daunting trips in the Champions League to Lubumbashi and Casablanca respectively in the coming weeks after progressing at the weekend. Sundowns face the DRC's TP Mazembe and Chiefs meet Morocco's Raja Casablanca.

Third-placed Wits, who now have the league and Nedbank Cup to focus on, host second-placed Sundowns at Milpark Stadium today (7.30pm) in a battle both clubs need to win to enhance their chances of lifting the title this season.

Both sides are 10 points behind Amakhosi.

"Wits now have one less thing to worry about. They have an advantage now because we will be travelling to TP Mazembe and Chiefs have to go play in Casablanca," said Mphahlele, who has been shifted from right back to central defence by coach Pitso Mosimane.

"Wits now have the league and Nedbank Cup to worry about. I think they are very serious contenders. They have good players and a good coach."

The Brazilians were beaten 3-1 at Milpark last season, but the defending champions will fancy their chances of winning today, having lost just once away from home this season. Wits, however, will be a tough nut to crack, Gavin Hunt's Clever Boys boasting a home record of just two defeats in nine matches.

Mphahlele, meanwhile, says Orlando Pirates should not be ruled out of the title race.

Pirates are just 12 points behind Chiefs and two adrift of Sundowns and Wits.