Gabuza has experienced a drastic dip in form that has seen him dropped from the Bucs squad in their last two league outings.
The 28-year-old striker has failed to continue his CAF Confederation Cup form, where finished as joint top goalscorer in the tournament, domestically and has managed just one goal in eight starts since their continental campaign came to a close at the end of November last year.
Tinkler has highlighted Gabuza's good record in the Soweto Derby, and hints that he could return to the side for today's clash, but reveals that extra work was needed in order to help him with his confidence.
"Obvioulsy Gabuza has had a very good record against Chiefs of late, but it [who starts] all depends on the form of the team and the players," says the former Bafana Bafana midfielder.
"[Lehlohonolo Majoro has been doing extremely well; Tendai Ndoro has now stepped up, which gives me a headache now that I have three strikers raising their hand for selection.
"Gabuza knows there have been certain games where, unfortunately, luck hasn't been on his side and he's missed quite a few chances that has lead to us not winning games.
"That obviously affected him mentally; I think his confidence started dropping and now it's been a case of us man-managing him and trying to rebuild him."
Tinkler adds: "This week he has been fantastic in training and he's available for selection like everybody else."