Dobela who previously represented the Shimlas and the Free State has been named at flyhalf for the opening match of the Currie Cup.

He is one of three players in the starting XI that will make their Currie Cup debuts with the others being the lock Albert Liebenberg and the 8th-man Janco Venter.

The Springbok Rosko Specman and Stephan Smit will make their Currie Cup debuts for the Griquas.

On the bench, Cebo Dlamini, Junior Banda and Malcolm Jaer will also be all be on debut for the team as well.

The Griquas coach, Pieter Bergh, told OFM Sport that Dobela’s speed is an asset.

“What I've always liked about him is his attacking ability,” said Bergh.

“But most importantly is his speed as a number ten. It's a position where in South Africa we don't always have the quickest flyhalves, and he with his speed he is one of our quickest backs.

“We hope that it gives us another dynamic in our attack to have a flyhalf with exception speed and ability to attack the line.”

Friday’s match in Kimberley kicks off at 16:00.

Griquas - 15 Jay-Cee Nel, 14 Rosko Specman, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Luther Obi, 10 Lubabalo Dobela, 9 Johan Mulder, 8 Janco Venter, 7 Stephan Smit, 6 Niel Otto (captain), 5 Derik Pretorius, 4 Albert Liebenberg, 3 Janu Botha, 2 Janco Uys, 1 Kudzwai Dube.

Replacements - 16 Gustav du Rand, 17 Cebo Dlamini, 18 Junior Banda, 19 Johan Retief, 20 Carl Els, 21 Bobby Alexander, 22 George Whitehead, 23 Malcolm Jaer.

Cheetahs – TBA

Morgan Piek OFM Sport