Dweba’s rugby journey began in Bloemfontein back in 2014, where he rose through the junior ranks before spending six seasons at the franchise. His explosive form earned him a move abroad to Bordeaux Bègles in the French Top 14, and later a homecoming to Cape Town where he played more than 50 games for the Stormers. Earlier this year he packed his bags for Devon, signing with the Exeter Chiefs.

Joseph Dweba running out for the Springboks against Wales in Bloemfontein - Morgan Piek

Interestingly, Dweba’s successor at the Stormers, Vernon Paulo, is currently on tour with the Cheetahs for the opening two rounds of the Challenge Cup. Paulo is set to relocate permanently to Cape Town in January - a neat twist in the tale linking all three teams.

This weekend’s clash at Sandy Park marks the first time the Cheetahs will face English Premiership opposition. Exeter are in red-hot form, sitting second on the Premiership standings behind Bath and ahead of giants like the Northampton Saints and Leicester Tigers - a clear sign of the challenge awaiting the men from Bloemfontein.

Speaking to OFM Sport from Exeter, Dweba said the prospect of facing the side that launched his career feels profoundly meaningful.

“It really feels like a full-circle moment for me,” said Dweba.

“I played for the Cheetahs where everything started - from my junior days right into the senior ranks - and it was unbelievable.”

He added that Bloemfontein shaped him on and off the field – and through his time in the city became a better father and husband.

Joseph Dweba on the charge against the Bulls - Morgan Piek

“I was there for six or seven seasons, and it helped me appreciate the little things, become a better human being, a better partner to my wife, and a better father to my kids. So going back and playing against them is very exciting.”

Although only a handful of players and coaches from his Cheetahs era remain, Dweba knows exactly what brand of rugby to expect - and it’s one he still holds close to heart.

“I’ve been watching them and they’ve been doing well in the Currie Cup and in the EPCR,” he said.

Vernon Paulo who will be replacing  Joseph Dweba at the Stormers - Morgan Piek

“I’m definitely expecting running rugby - that Cheetahs brand will never die. I’m looking forward to the physicality too, because South African teams are always physical.”

“And it’ll be great to see some of the boys I played with, like Clayton Blommetjies, as well as my old manager, Ashwell Rafferty.

“I’m really excited for it - it’s going to be unbelievable.”

Sunday’s opening-round clash between the Exeter Chiefs and Cheetahs at Sandy Park kicks off at 19:30.

Cheetahs touring squad:

Forwards - Aranos Coetzee, Cameron Dawson, Frankie Dos Reis, Marko Janse van Rensburg, Daniel Maartens, Tielman Niewoudt, Vernon Paulo, Victor Sekekete, Pierre Uys, Gideon van der Merwe, Chucky van der Westhuizen, Juan Venter, Neels Volschenk, Sisonke Vumazonke, Carl Wegner

Backs - De-an Ackermann, Michael Annies, Clayton Blommetjies, Zander du Plessis, Munier Hartzenberg, Cohen Jasper, Rewan Kruger, Jandré Nel, Prince Nkabinde, Marco Jansen van Vuren, Jaco van der Walt

Morgan Piek OFM Sport