Tsheko emerges as Jaguars talisman
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday March 27, 2026 11:55
Born 29 years ago in Ramotswa, the pint-sized Tsheko played rugby as it was the only competitive sport at Livingstone Kolobeng College (LKC) in 2013. By then, he was a Form One student.
“It was the only competitive sport in my high school. I wanted to do competitive swimming, but unfortunately, that was not the case, and I could not find it in me to do it for fun, so rugby spoke to me. The culture they had in the rugby club, the togetherness they showed, was hard to miss at LKC. The guys walked with confidence and pride on their backs,” Tsheko explained.
His journey in the game started in 2016 at LKC, where he was coached by Dent Patrick, together with Taku Monda. His manager was Feddy Mutenheri. Tsheko said he was also exposed to swimming and judo, but to him ‘rugby is special’ and an amazing sport to play. “Rugby players have to find ways to outsmart bigger opponents by playing a mental game. The technicality of how to dominate the other team without only using physical strength. Rugby is won by the calm-headed team that is willing to put their bodies on the line and do everything as one,” he said.
Tsheko plays as an outside centre or second centre. His role is to provide support during breakdowns and can run as a decoy to confuse the defence.
He explained that to play in that position, he should level up his stepping, running, agility, and strength in getting into contact. According to Tsheko, he always shows his strength in defence, to be able to cover his number 14 or 15 if the opponents beat them. When asked about the difficult opponent in local rugby, Tsheko said he does not think there is any difficult team to play against, as it is all about knowing his teammates have shown up as one for the game, and the rest becomes natural. “The bigger the opponent, the harder they fall. You can be the greatest player, but on that day you are not switched on, you are as good as a basic player,” he said. Unlike some of the greatest rugby players, such as South Africa's Siya Kolisi, who grew up in an impoverished township and endured a tough upbringing, Tsheko was brought up in a stable environment.
“My parents did not fully support the sport, but they continued to watch me grow to love the sport, and all they used to worry about was if I am not getting injured, and until this day, they will call after a game to make sure I am not injured or if my medical aid is still active,” he said.
Tsheko’s dream in rugby is to experience a high-level performance centre and train with the best in the gym and on the field. He also dreams of assisting upcoming youngsters to give them a good structure to feed from. Tsheko's hard work was recognised with an award as the most disciplined player in 2023. “I am my biggest competitor, but my father is the goal to beat also. Rugby in this country has the potential to grow and really challenge other countries,” Tsheko said.
“Unfortunately, most players in this country play for the love of the sport, meaning the growth of the sport is dependent on the level of attendance we get from people. We are currently at an advantage where social media is being consumed. We should be taking advantage of this and spreading awareness right through.”
Jaguars’ manager, Mutenheri, said he met Tsheko when he was still a ‘baby’ in 2013, describing the player as a fast runner. “Normally, when I pick rugby players, one of my scouting platforms is the athletics team. I am impressed by his growth under my watch, and he will go far in rugby,” Mutenheri said.
Full name: Letlhogile ‘Dotse’ Tsheko Date of birth: December 17, 1997 Place of birth: Ramotswa Profession: Rugby player Club: Jaguars Position: Outside centre Height: 1.68m Shoe size: Eight Ritual: Pray to God. Love listening to music before any game.