On the 3rd of June 1986, in Seshego, northwest of the city of Polokwane, the stars aligned because on that day one of South Africa’s biggest tennis champions would be born. A congenital disorder during her earlier years would not deter her, despite one foot amputated by age 12.
Named Kgothatso (meaning encouragement, hope and motivation), the new member of the Montjane clan, took all lives curve balls within her stride with a tennis racquet and her specially designed wheelchair as her weapon.
Little did the community of Seshego-B know, that South Africa’s first black South African woman to compete at Wimbledon and win a title there has been is running amidst them.
Fast forward to 2024, at the third slam of the year, the duo of Montjane and her Japanese partner Yui Kamiji won the women’s wheelchair doubles final at the All England Club, securing their third Grand Slam title.
“It feels great to know that I’m also a Wimbledon champion. Happy to have done this with Yui. This partnership keeps rewarding me with success. It’s one of the most valuable partnerships.”
Triple Grand Slam Champion, Kgothatso Montjane
Her story is layered with trials and tribulations but also triumphs and victories that will inspire many across the African continent and the rest of the world. The effects of her success will go beyond South African borders, proving to every young black child that anything is possible. Even in a sport still heavily dominated by white people, still highly inaccessible to many communities.
“It was never my dream to play tennis at all, and I’m grateful to have taken a leap of faith to pursue this journey,” says one of SA’s most visible sportswomen. “It’s important for kids to have a role model who comes from similar backgrounds as them,” Montjane added.
The respected pair defeated Dutchwomen Diede de Groot and Jiske Griffioen 6-4 6-4 in the final, and to get there, Montjane and Kamiji opened their Wimbledon campaign with a 6-3 6-2 victory over American Dana Mathewson and Japanese player Manami Tanaka, before making light work of their semi-final against Chinese duo Zhu Zhenzhen and Xiaohui Li, winning that match 6-2 6-2.
This was Montjane’s sixth Wimbledon outing, and last year she and Kamiji made it to the final, but fell at the last hurdle.
‘‘We are just happy that this year we managed to fight for it; it’s been a tough week playing each other and having to put our heads together to play doubles. It hasn’t been an easy one.”
It is poetic that Wimbledon gave the South African champ the needed exposure, and she’s stated before how it gave her a breakthrough in 2018, during financial struggles. We’ve seen Montjane go to tournaments with little to no resources before.
But her athletic prowess and the signature move of joining forces with Optimize marketing agency CEO Emy Casaletti has proven to be ceiling-shattering for Montjane’s career. In under two years she’s won Grand Slam titles, and can now confidently chase a Paralympic gold and the Australian Open wheelchair doubles title.
The 2023 gsport Newsmaker of the Year says, “She (Casaletti) took me in when she knew nothing about me and she supported me throughout. I’m grateful for my entire team at Optimize agency.”
South Africans have expressed their pride and excitement since learning of the big victory in England including President of the Republic Cyril Ramaphosa.
“This victory at the home of the only major tournament played on grass crowns Kgothatso’s outstanding record in tournaments from Belgium and Switzerland, to the United States and Australia.
Republic of South Africa President, Cyril Ramaphosa
“We salute you, Kgothatso, on your life as a champion on and off the court, and we look forward to your continued success,” Ramaphosa said.
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba says Montjane’s victory will inspire young women and girls. “We extend our congratulations and overwhelming joy on your remarkable achievement of winning the ladies double wheelchair Wimbledon title.”
“Your hard work, perseverance and dedication have paid off, showcasing your exceptional talent and skill. You have made us all proud,” said Ramathuba. “We hope this achievement will inspire other young girls, especially from rural areas, to believe that the sky is the limit.”
Asked what steps need to be taken to ensure that we see another KG Montjane, a young black girl, who’s conquered wheelchair tennis on the world stage. The three-time Grand Slam champion has some concerns, however she is also optimistic.
“Tough questions at the moment looking at where the state of wheelchair tennis is. But something will come up someday and we will see much greater talent than me.”
For many of us Kgothatso is the G.O.A.T of South African tennis, she’s done it all and to expect even more would be unjust. For her though, there’s still one more box to tick.
“A singles grand slam would some up my career.”
From the gsport team, siyaziqhenya ngawe! We are proud of you!
Photo Caption: South Africans continue to celebrate three-time wheelchair doubles Grand Slam champion Kgothatso Montjane after she and partner Yui Kamiji made history at Wimbledon. Montjane has done well to inspire and kgothatsa (motivate) the people of Mzansi. Photos: ITF
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