SIPHIWE Tshabalala will break the record for the most caps in a Soweto derby in the PSL era when he runs out for Kaizer Chiefs in their Absa Premiership encounter against Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium tomorrow (3.30pm).

Tshabalala, popularly known as Shabba, will earn his 23rd cap in the derby - and remarkably all consecutive and just one as a substitute - breaking Pirates defender Lucky Lekgwathi's 22-match record.

The Bafana Bafana midfielder's caps in the famous game have been earned in a seven-year career at Chiefs.

"It's a great feeling and an honour as well to have played in so many derbies. And I just want to thank God for having been given the opportunity to reach such a mark. It's something that is really humbling for me," Tshabalala said.

"Growing up I always watched Chiefs against Pirates. I was a Kaizer Chiefs fan. And I have always been aware of the expectation involved in the game from the players, the hype and the history of the two teams that surrounds the game. And to have been a part of that, and now to set this record, is one of the highlights of my career.

"Obviously it's a huge blessing and a milestone that I would love to celebrate with a victory."

If Chiefs win, or Tshabalala is even able to score, it would crown FNB Stadium as the left-sided midfielder's happiest hunting ground.

He scored the goal that made him world famous there, the opening goal of the 2010 World Cup against Mexico that ended in a 1-1 draw for Bafana.

Tshabalala scored into the same set of goalposts in the 2-0 win against Pirates at FNB on December 6.

The midfielder's massive experience in the derby - now more than anyone else has - has seen him reserve some of his best performances for the famous match.

"The derby is a different type of game to just a normal match," Tshabalala said.

"Expectations are so high for both teams and no one wants to be on the losing side.

"On Saturday it will be no different. We know this is an important game for Chiefs."