When veteran rugby mentor David Dobela began his coaching career about three decades ago, he never imagined he would one day come up against one of his children on the rugby field.
Dobela will be in the dugout for the Border Bulldogs while his son, Lubabalo, is likely to don blue and white at flyhalf or fullback for Griquas when the sides meet in round three of the SA Cup on Saturday.
“Wow, I can’t believe I will be against my son,” the Bulldogs coach said.
The father and son affair will take place in Kimberley and the stats favour 25-year-old Blitzboks star Lubabalo to walk away with the bragging rights.
Griquas and the Bulldogs have had contrasting starts to their season.
Currie Cup side Griquas have shown their supremacy in the competition by dismantling the Leopards 88-0 and they recently gave a 66-25 hiding to the Valke to top the log.
The Bulldogs have been caught with their pants around their ankles with defeats against the Griffons and SWD Eagles.
“Kimberley is a very tough place to play in because of the pitch and that it is hot.
“Griquas are a tough team and have shown that so far in the competition. We have some things we need to work on,” Dobela said.
In the games against the Griffons and Eagles, Dobela rolled the dice by giving Varsity Shield, Border Under-21 and standout youngsters from the recently concluded Eastern Cape Super 14 opportunities to turn out for the senior team.
Though it is early days, his plan has backfired as far as the results go.
But Dobela has pleaded with the fans to be patient with his rebuilding project.
It is a fine balancing act between building for the future and being competitive in the present.
The rebuilding line is undoubtedly a tough pill for Bulldogs supporters to swallow because they have seen this movie before.
Dobela has argued that he is fielding several young players in the SA Cup to give them experience heading to the Currie Cup First Division later this season.
For those on the outside though, it is difficult to become excited about the “bigger picture” when results — and more worryingly, performances — do not suggest growth.
“The boys need time. We have seen in the past two matches that there has been improvement and as time goes more will be evident,” Dobela said.
DispatchLIVE
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.