The former Free State and Shimlas pivot was named in the starting team of the Peacock Blues for what will be his debut for the team and the Currie Cup.

Dobela recently joined the Griquas following a stint with the Blitzboks where he played in the Sevens World Series.

The Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, told OFM Sport that Dobela is certainly a dangerous player.

“Lubs in an exciting player, especially at flyhalf, said Fourie.

“He’s got a lot of skills and a very good attacking ten, so I think there is a reason why they picked him.

“We are certainly aware of his ability and it will be very important for us to put a lot of pressure on him. It is his first Currie Cup against there will be pressure that comes with that. We will make sure that we can apply as much pressure on him as we can from our side.

“He’s a quality player and he spent a lot time with the Blitzboks, so his space awareness is excellent. He has got good handling skills and he is fast off the mark, so he is a dangerous player.”

Friday’s central derby 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 - 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Daniel Kasende, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Munier Hartzenberg, 10 Reinhardt Fortuin, 9 Ruan Pienaar, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 Friedle Olivier, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete (captain), 4 Rynier Bernardo, 3 Hencus van Wyk, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 1 Schalk Ferreira.

Replacements - 16 Chucky van der Westhuizen, 17 Alulutho Tshakweni, 18 Beertjie van Vuuren, 19 Mzwanele Zito, 20 Daniel Maartens, 21 Rewan Kruger, 22 Evardi Boshoff, 23 Cohen Jasper.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport