Kgothatso Montjane surprised by SA Sports Awards nomination

Paralympian Kgothatso Montjane has been shortlisted for the Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability award. The Limpopo-born tennis player will compete against athletics athletes Sherly James and Simone Kruger for the honour at a ceremony in Sandton City on Sunday, 23 August.

Montjane expressed disbelief regarding the nomination from the Department of Sport. Although she secured four Grand Slam titles between 2023 and 2025, she noted that she had not received any awards during that period. She stated that her primary focus remains on her professional goals rather than seeking recognition.

The 40-year-old veteran described this season as one of the most difficult of her career. She has been experimenting with new personal approaches and team structures to find better results. This follows a period of significant personal difficulty, including the death of her mother during the Paris Paralympic Games two years ago.

Despite the challenges, Montjane recently won the Wimbledon wheelchair women’s doubles title. She achieved this alongside her Japanese partner, Yui Kamiji, marking the third Grand Slam doubles trophy of her career. She remains committed to her training and is working to achieve specific results.

Montjane said the recognition is motivating and she looks forward to the event. She hopes her progression from Limpopo to the top of world wheelchair tennis serves as an inspiration to young South African girls. Her advice to others is to maintain hard work and belief in their dreams despite any obstacles.