The country’s flagship football contest might be pitting clubs that are battling for form sitting in position four (Chiefs) and eleven (Pirates) on the latest standings but that doesn’t take away the fact that this remains a blockbuster fixture – one that is always hugely anticipated.
Shabba has so far played in 25 Derby contests since arriving at Chiefs from Free State Stars in January 2007.
All but just one of those appearances have been starts elevating him to be being the only player to have ever played 25 ‘Derbies’ in a row in the history of the PSL.
The 31-year-old’s only run onto the pitch from the bench was in the 2014 MTN8 final win and he has started all other games from the first whistle since making his debut in this contest in that famous 2-2 draw in Durban on November 24, 2007.
Tshabalala has only ever missed one Derby since he arrived at Naturena in January 2007 with that particular match played during the first six months of his stay at the club when he was injured and during which he didn’t play in any official games.
Through the 25 Derby matches that he has played Shabba has seen his club win eight, draw 10 and lose seven.
Tshabalala has four goals to his name in this fixture.
However, while his personal profile in this fixture reaches unparalleled proportions Shabba will be more interested in winning the points for his club in the bid to keep pace with leading pack in the championship race.
Chiefs have not been convincing enough this season, especially considering how smoothly they rolled last term.
At the other end Orlando Pirates veteran Lucky Lekgwathi remains stuck on 22 starts with his last appearance having been in the clash that was played in March 2014.
Lekgwathi is increasingly looking unlikely to increase that tally of 22 starts in this fixture as he hasn’t played for Pirates since May 2014 despite still being registered as a player.
The 39-year-old’s 22 Derby matches are scattered and stretch back to 2002 when he joined Pirates from Ria Stars.