College of Human Sciences
Dual honour for Unisa sports psychologist
Unisan Dr Koketjo Tsebe, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology, College of Human Sciences (CHS), has made significant strides in the sports psychology discipline nationally and globally through impacting the lives of athletes. Outstandingly, her appointment as a psychologist for Team South Africa at the Paris 2024 Olympics – a historic moment marking her among the few black women appointed to this role – is a testament to her trailblazing expertise and dedication to sports psychology.
Dr Koketjo Tsebe shines with her newly received Limpopo MEC Award
Recently, Tsebe’s dedication towards upholding excellence in sports psychology and exceptional work were recognised with two prestigious awards: the Limpopo MEC Award in Sports Psychology, which honours outstanding work demonstrated by sport administrators, sportsmen and sportswomen, who have excelled on and off the field in various categories of their performance. The award ceremony was hosted by the Limpopo Department of Arts and Culture. "These awards recognise the collective effort that drives sport in our province, and in addition, reflects our commitment to nurturing talent, promoting inclusivity, and creating a legacy of excellence in Limpopo sport," commented the Honourable Funani Jerry Maseko, Limpopo MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture.
In addition, Tsebe earned a place among the top 100 South African Shining stars in the sports and recreation category, at a prestigious event hosted by the Inside Education Foundation. Chairman Matuma Letsoalo congratulated the awardees, stating: “We celebrate you because you represent the best of the future of this country and our continent in all areas of society. The work that you do will unlock solutions to many challenges we face as a society.”
Tsebe’s innovative approaches to mental preparation have helped athletes and coaches overcome mental blocks, enhance their performance, and achieve their full potential. Her work extends beyond the field of play, promoting mental well-being and resilience within the broader South African community.
Reflecting on her accolades, Tsebe credits a culmination of her willingness and commitment to serve in various sporting codes, including her appointed as a team psychologist at the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, the 13th African Games 2023, the Paris 2024 Olympics, and the ICC T20 Women's World Cup 2024. “At some point,” she adds, “I received a ministerial appointment to join Boxing South Africa as a board member.”
Dr Koketjo Tsebe earned a place among the 100 South African Shining Stars
Furthermore, Tsebe adds that the discipline of sport psychology is still new in the country, advising that an investment in knowledge and keenness about various sport codes are the ingredients one needs in order to embrace this career, understand teams, and intervene appropriately.
Tsebe's dual achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring sports psychologists and a testament to the power of mental fortitude in achieving greatness. Her contributions to both the sporting world and South African society have solidified her place as a true champion of mental strength.
* By Godfrey Madibane, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement
Publish date: 2025/02/04
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