Matlaba had missed Bucs’ last two matches while serving out a two-match suspension and in his absence Patrick Phungwayo took advantage with solid performances for Bucs.
But coach Vladimir Vermezovic may now have a bit of a selection headache after Matlaba shone for Bafana Bafana in both their recent 2015 Afcon Qualifiers against Sudan and Nigeria.
Bucs assistant coach Eric Tinkler thinks that whoever plays will be backed by the other and feels that instead of it being a problem having two quality players to choose from only makes Bucs stronger as a side.
"I think we are all aware that Phungwayo has been playing extremely well while Matlaba was out due to suspension. But as a technical team it's the type of selection headache you want to have and you want everybody to be competing for a position.
“Whatever the decision the technical team makes on the day with who is picked that decision will be backed by either player.
"The players have supported to each other in the past. Patrick has been playing and Thabo has been supportive and visa-versa. And that will continue because this is a team sport and everybody gains from us winning titles, not only the guys who are in the starting XI," says Tinkler.
The Former Bafana defensive midfielder says that it is a dream for any player to play in The Derby as there is lot at stake and as a player; you want to give your all and don't want to be left out when these sides meet.
"There's is lot of pressure to get the results and to add to it every player dreams of playing in The Derby and in the end it comes down to who handles the pressure best will come out the winner among the two sides.
"Generally for us as coaches it's about getting players motivated but with Derbies you don't have to do much motivation as the players themselves will motivate each other ahead of this huge match.
“When you are a young man you see The Derby on television and you dream of one day being involved, so it's massive for everybody involved," he adds.
