How Dr Koketso Tsebe is reshaping sports psychology in South Africa

Dr Koketso Tsebe has established herself as one of the leading sports psychologists in South Africa, breaking new ground in a profession traditionally dominated by men.

From growing up in Makwelereng, Limpopo, to supporting South Africa’s top athletes, including the Banyana Banyana side that won the Wafcon tournament in Morocco in 2022, her journey is a testament to passion, patience, and perseverance.

According to Tsebe, her community in Makwelereng played a vital role in shaping her ambitions.

“I was raised by the entire community, every parent, every household,” she says. “They created a safe space for me, where I was supported and held accountable.”

What drew Tsebe to sports psychology was her own experience as a recreational athlete playing baseball and softball.

"I learned about this career when I was in high school, and I thought, look, this would make sense. More so, how there'll be team dynamics and nobody will be there to contain and manage that"

Since then, Tsebe has become one of the country's leading sports psychologists, having also worked with the Proteas Women’s cricket team, Softball South Africa, and Team South Africa at the Olympics, helping athletes perform at their best.

However, while she has carved out a successful career, she admits that challenges do remain.

"As a black woman, I still experience challenges that emanate from some level of doubts. Do I really know what I'm doing? I get that."

Despite these challenges, Tsebe said she draws strength from her knowledge of history and politics, which helps her understand the root of such doubts.

"And how have I overcome them? Luckily, I'm very inclined to history and the politics, so I understand what shapes people's perspective, or rather perceptions. And so being that aware of the past and the current actually assist me to overcome them. And also knowing that if I feel capable and confident".

Her role as a lecturer at the University of South Africa (UNISA) and mentor is one she holds close, as she aims to inspire the next generation of sports psychologists and athletes alike.

“What I want to pass on to the next generation is, sounds cliché, but believe in yourself. Even though you've never seen anybody who looks like you having done that, you can be the first to do it, and you can pass it on to the next generation.”

IOL 

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