She is a trailblazing tennis player, flying South Africa’s flag high.
Against the odds, she has ranked number one in Africa for 11 years running – enjoying the number one spot in South Africa between 2007- to present.
She is positioned at fifth place on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) rankings.
Wheelchair tennis star Kgothatso “KG” Montjane (37) has competed in all four Grand Slam tennis tournaments; the Australian Open, Roland-Garros (the French Open), the US Open, and Wimbledon.
This weekend she has added yet another title to her name. She is a women's double champion after having participated at the US Open . She played with her Japanese partner, Yui Kamiji, against with Dutch top seeds Diede de Groot and Jiske Griffioen on Saturday.
We look back on an interview we did with her after one of her many wins in 2021.
Read more | Kgothatso Montjane defeats Jiske Griffioen to win 2nd SA Spring Open title
Kgothatso became the Spring Open champion for the second time after winning against Dutch former world number one player Jiske Griffioen in the women's final.
“I have always believed in my abilities,” she tells Drum.
“When I played in all the Grand Slams, my list was just missing Wimbledon. I knew I would get there one day and I did. It shows hard work pays off.”
One of her biggest dreams has been to see other sports stars with disabilities get the necessary support through funding and collaborating with brands.
For her, this has become a reality in her life as she was announced as the brand ambassador of beauty company Avon Justine on Monday afternoon.
Last year Avon Justine launched a campaign called Watch Me Now which embraces and celebrates those that have been underestimated and unexpected.
“This partnership means less to worry about and more time to focus on the sport and the goals I’d like to achieve,” Kgothatso tells Drum.
“Like many other sportsmen and women with disabilities, I have struggled for many years and the biggest challenge has been finances and support from businesses. I needed this in order not to worry about the little things, and rather focus my energy on bettering my craft.
“I have always been a struggling athlete and I was starting to make peace with it, but seeing support come through shocks me every time.
“I feel good, I have worked hard. I’ve been through a lot and I’m still standing and that is all that matters. For me to become a better player and a grand slam winner is an achievement. I need to work on me being a tennis player without the disadvantages,” she says.
Read more l Tennis star Kgothatso Montjane on her journey to success
Since the beginning of her career, Kgothatso has known that hard work comes with rewards.
Growing up in Seshego village, Polokwane, she understood at a young age that she needed to work harder than those without disabilities.
Born with a congenital birth defect and amputated below the knee at the age of 12, she had to work harder than most.
“I have always understood that I am a champion on and off the court. Despite the physical and socio-economic adversities,” she says.
Despite her late start to the game of tennis at the age of 19, Kgothatso has shown a natural knack for the sport.
She also obtained a BSc degree in Recreation and Leisure at the University of Venda in 2010. Today, as a celebrated athlete and sports star, she is proud of how far she has come.
The left-hander has turned her disability into a success.
“It has not been easy, and every day I try to stay disciplined. Tennis doesn’t get easier or usual, it comes with challenges every time – and I enjoy the challenges.”
