“Since joining Kaizer Chiefs in 2007, it has always been a blessing to play a Derby,” Siphiwe ‘Shabba’ Tshabalala comments about Saturday’s Soweto Derby.

The midfielder, of course, knows a bit about the Derby, having played in 25 so far. The last of which was the Telkom Knockout semifinal win on 7 November 2015.

The one before that was the 3-1 loss in an Absa Premiership clash against Orlando Pirates.

“We usually don’t concede three goals,” Tshabalala reflects on that encounter.

The 31-year-old also stressed that coach Steve Komphela has “a positive headache, as he has a lot of players to choose from” for Saturday’s fixture, which, as usual, will be played at the FNB Stadium.

Tshabalala has been in fine form in recent matches, which was acknowledged by Buccaneers coach Eric Tinkler at a Derby press conference at Midrand’s Vodacom World on Thursday afternoon.

The midfielder has participated in 21 matches (league and cup) so far, scoring twice and providing ten assists for others to score.

Amakhosi are at present in fourth position on the Absa Premiership log, having collected 25 points from 15 matches.

‘Shabba’, however, is not too worried about Chiefs’ present form, stressing that “the situation we are in is temporary”. He refers with these words to the saying in sports that “form is temporary, class is permanent”.

“We have been in this situation before,” Tshabalala adds. “This is our journey. I am confident that we can get past any obstacle to still retain the league title.”

On the upcoming Pirates fixture, he comments: “A Derby has its own challenges. We always learn from every challenge as we want to grow as a player. It will be a great game of football on Saturday.”

The Soweto Derby will take place this Saturday, 30 January (kick-off is at 15:30).

Tickets are selling fast, as by Thursday afternoon, only about 10 000 tickets were still available.

Tickets for Level 5 are already sold out.

Tickets are available at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers: R80 for Level 1 (lower bowl), R100 for Level 2 (middle level), R60 for Level 2 (disabled seating) and R10 for children under the age of 12 (while stocks last).

No tickets will be sold at the stadium.