Former Grey High pupil Lubabalo Dobela produced a near-flawless display after leading FNB Shimlas to victory against current FNB Varsity Cup title-holders FNB UP-Tuks.
Twitter was alight on Monday evening after a new star shone when University of the Free State beat current FNB Varsity Cup Champions FNB Tuks at a cold and wet LC de Villiers Sports Centre. The upset wasn’t what was creating the commotion, but rather the calm and collected display from the number10 on debut, Lubabalo Dobela, son of former Border coach David Dobela.
Despite the treacherous conditions the East London-born Dobela produced a masterclass beyond his years, to claim the vital win away from home. The 19-year-old former Grey High pupil scored seven of his team’s 19 points, including two conversions from the touchline. He also showed that his radar was on point with some probing kicks for touch to keep the opposition on the backfoot, while conducting his backline like a seasoned expert.
Dobela, who dreams of one day playing international rugby, won the FNB Player that Rocks award after his stellar performance, and says this is just the beginning.
“It was truly an amazing feeling for me to receive that award and it was my debut so it was basically the perfect start. The game is just so intense and quick, plus I feel like it’s a taste of senior rugby, so I’m heading in the right direction.” The prolific number10 believes he got his passion and learnt his trade playing rugby in the Eastern Cape.
“In East London we used to play touch rugby in the street so that’s where I started off with my brother and his mates, I always used to play with older guys.
“When I got to Grey, I had the skill but I lacked maturity and that’s where I learnt to be more talkative on the field and become more mature.”
Dobela said: “The goal now is to play at my best every game and get the storybook ending I’ve been working for”. — DDC
Shimlas unearth a new star in Dobela
Twitter was alight on Monday evening after a new star shone when University of the Free State beat current FNB Varsity Cup Champions FNB Tuks at a cold and wet LC de Villiers Sports Centre. The upset wasn’t what was creating the commotion, but rather the calm and collected display from the number10 on debut, Lubabalo Dobela, son of former Border coach David Dobela.
Despite the treacherous conditions the East London-born Dobela produced a masterclass beyond his years, to claim the vital win away from home. The 19-year-old former Grey High pupil scored seven of his team’s 19 points, including two conversions from the touchline. He also showed that his radar was on point with some probing kicks for touch to keep the opposition on the backfoot, while conducting his backline like a seasoned expert.
Dobela, who dreams of one day playing international rugby, won the FNB Player that Rocks award after his stellar performance, and says this is just the beginning.
“It was truly an amazing feeling for me to receive that award and it was my debut so it was basically the perfect start. The game is just so intense and quick, plus I feel like it’s a taste of senior rugby, so I’m heading in the right direction.” The prolific number10 believes he got his passion and learnt his trade playing rugby in the Eastern Cape.
“In East London we used to play touch rugby in the street so that’s where I started off with my brother and his mates, I always used to play with older guys.
“When I got to Grey, I had the skill but I lacked maturity and that’s where I learnt to be more talkative on the field and become more mature.”
Dobela said: “The goal now is to play at my best every game and get the storybook ending I’ve been working for”. — DDC
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