“That will be such an honour,” looks Kaizer Chiefs’ Siphiwe Tshabalala forward to the chance to break the record number of Derbies played. “The most important, however, is to collect the three points.”

At the moment, Orlando Pirates’ Lucky Lekgwathi and Tshabalala have both participated 22 times in the Soweto Derby. That’s a record since the introduction of the PSL. The Amakhosi midfielder will now have an opportunity to break that record and earn his 23rd Derby cap on Saturday.

“The Derby is about two big teams facing each other,” continues Tshabalala. “It’s about the hype, the debate from the fans and the huge history. A lot is at stake when Chiefs and Pirates face each other.”

“I used to be part of that Derby debate as 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 will host the Buccaneers in an Absa Premiership clash at the FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon (kick-off at 15:30).