Siphiwe Tshabalala has not yet been given a starting line-up berth in the Kaizer Chiefs line-up this season because‚ according to coach Steve Komphela‚ “if it ain’t broke‚ why fix it?”

But after Saturday’s uninspiring performance against Maritzburg United‚ the 32-year-old Tshabalala has a chance to be included from the kick off of the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates on Saturday.

“We have been trying to build him up to match fitness‚" Komphela said.

"When he played in the match in Bloemfontein (the Macufe Cup against Bloemfontein Celtic on October 16) he started cramping.

"But he has been doing well‚” said Komphela of Tshabalala’s appearances as a substitute in their last games against Highlands Park‚ Maritzburg United (twice) and Ajax Cape Town.

He has seen a total of 100 minutes over the four games as he works his way back from the knee surgey he underwent during the off-season.

Komphela said: “I’m looking forward to having him available consistently.

"It is a nice selection dilemma to have. But up to now the team has been doing well and getting results and so you
say to yourself ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’.”

Chiefs had won four games in a row before the goalless draw at Soccer City on Saturday night with Maritzburg in the first round of the Telkom Knockout.

Chiefs advanced with a 4-2 win in the subsequent penalty shootout.

But their lack of attacking creativity means Komphela must now be tempted to throw the dreadlocked Bafana veteran in from the start.

“And it is not only Shabba. We also have Tsepo Masilela‚ highly capable and unbelievably experienced.

"Bernard Parker is also waiting for his chance.

"We are trying to play around with the team while trying to keep harmony.

"We acknowledge others are coming back and making contributions (like Tshabalala) but we have to also acknowledge that the team is getting results.”

Top of the table Chiefs meet Pirates at Soccer City at 3.30pm on Saturday. - TMG Digital