Kaizer Chiefs star Siphiwe Tshabalala knows he faces a tough battle to regain his first-team place when he recovers from his injury, but it is a challenge he is relishing.

Coach Stuart Baxter has already warned the Bafana Bafana star that a return to fitness is not enough – the Amakhosi playmaker will also have to force his way back into the first team.

“Shabba’s a top class player, I enjoy working with him,” Baxter said recently. “But one, he’s got to get himself fit, and two, he’s got to get himself back into the team.”

Shabba is closing on a return from the knee injury he picked up in Chiefs’ final pre-season friendly against Chippa United.

“I’m determined to get back into my form,” he said. “The only way that any player gets to play in the first team is through hard work and determination.

“We all know that as good as each of us is, we need to prove to the coach that we are worth having in the starting eleven.”

Tshabalala has missed Chiefs’ last three matches – the Carling Black Label clash defeat to Orlando Pirates and the wins over Black Aces (MTN8) and Free State Stars in the league opener at the weekend.

“The team has been playing well and winning games,” he said. “This will make it interesting because I have to make sure I deserve to be in a performing side if I am to fight for a spot.

“But I am doing well and I hope to show that I am worthy of a place in Baxter’s team.”