The 33-year-old midfielder has been a consistent force for Chiefs since joining the club from Free State Stars in January 2007, reiterating his value with four goals and six assists this season.
Komphela opted to deploy Tshabalala as an 84th minute replacement for Wiseman Meyiwa in the 3-0 win over Golden Arrows in the Nedbank Cup on Sunday, as new signing Siphelele Ntshangase was handed his first start for the Glamour Boys.
Komphela says there is no doubting 'Shabba''s quality.
"You can't question his experience and his ability. His qualities will never be diminished and how we go on in terms of selection and playing the players, it will be in the best interests of both the club and the team," Komphela said.
"We felt against Arrows Philani Zulu can do a job and he did a good job. We felt let's give a chance to Ntshangase; we know he could have done better but it is also an opportunity for him to have a feel of starting a match.
“We could have started with Hendrick Ekstein, Wiseman Meyiwa was also factored in. So there is quite a number of players that if Shabba is not there they can do the job."
Komphela added: “Every time Shabba goes in the difference is clear. When we played Bidvest Wits, he played more as attacker and he did a good job.
"He kept Thulani Hlatswayo back and he kept threatening. There was a ball he almost caught, it was played diagonal. He just wanted to control it, he couldn’t, and smash it for winner.
“So whether he starts on the bench or on the field, he will always give you his best.”