Siphiwe Tshabalala has dismissed suggestions that the Soweto derby has lost some of its magic after Kaizer Chiefs narrowly edged the latest battle 1-0 on Saturday.

Recent match-ups between Chiefs and arch-rivals Orlando Pirates are hardly goal-laden, with matches either ending goalless or bragging rights claimed on the back of narrow 1-0 wins.

The lack of goals in recent encounters has led many to claim that the Soweto derby is now boring. But Shabba does not share that view and reckons matches between Chiefs and Pirates remain fiercely contested affairs between two evenly-matched teams.

“The derby was a tough game for us and I am sure that it was equally the same for our opponents. We had to work hard and play against a good side to win that match,” said Tshabalala.

“Both teams are very competitive and they both have good players. Saying that the derby is boring does not fit its description. It is difficult to just beat the next team when all the players are giving their all.

“That is evident in the support that the match attracts as well and the attitude of the players indicates the importance of winning.

“We at Chiefs have set ourselves a standard and every time we play we want to maintain it. Credit must be given to the players and the effort that they gave. Our goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse did well and I would like to congratulate him on his first derby and a clean sheet on it.”