Posted in Features, News on Oct 21, 2017.
Until today, the Kaizer Chiefs midfielder had participated in 29 Derbies, scoring four goals. Eight of the games ended in a win, eight in a loss and 13 in a draw.
He made his debut on 24 November 2007 in an away game that ended in a two-all draw. His most recent Derby was the 1-1 draw on 4 March 2017. Tshabalala last scored against Orlando Pirates in a 2-0 win on 6 December 2014.
Shabba’s 30 Derbies have come, amazingly, in consecutive games (Soweto Derbies), starting in 28 matches, only coming on in two (the most recent sub came in the goalless draw, away, on Saturday, 29 October 2016).
“I used to be part of that Derby debate as a youngster,” the midfielder once reflected on the time when he was still a youngster. “I always rooted for Chiefs. We would discuss the likes of Doctor Khumalo, Thabo Mooki, Frank Makua, Brian Baloyi and Thabang Lebese.
“To be able to play now in the Derby myself, especially in having participated in so many, is a huge honour. It’s like a dream come true.”
Amakhosi host the Buccaneers in an Absa Premiership clash at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon, 21 October. The game kicked off at 15:30.