Cape Town - New Cheetahs prop Caylib Oosthuizen says the prospect of being coached by his childhood hero, Os du Randt, played a big role in his move to Bloemfontein.

The 23-year-old loosehead joined the Cheetahs at the end of last year after five season at the Lions. He represented them at under-19, under-21, Vodacom Cup, Currie Cup and Super Rugby level.

Oosthuizen believes he will grow as a prop under the guidance of Du Randt, the Cheetahs' forwards coach.

"The main reason for my move was Os du Randt," he told the Volksblad website.

"He was my hero at school and to get an opportunity to play under him, is huge."

Oosthuizen will also join up with former Baby Bok team-mates in prop Coenie Oosthuizen and centres Johann Sadie and Robert Ebersohn. They played together for the SA under-20 side in 2009.

He's also relishing the opportunity of packing down in the scrum alongside Springboks Coenie Oosthuizen and Adriaan Strauss.

"I can learn a lot from them and it will be terrific to get a chance to play with them."

The Cheetahs start their Super Rugby campaign at home against the Sharks on February 23.