Kgothatso Montjane surprised by her SA Sports Awards nomination

Montjane has been shortlisted for Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability, where she will battle it out with athletics stars Sherly James and Simone Kruger for the prestigious honour.

The Limpopo-born Paralympian, who previously won the award 13 years ago, admitted that she did not expect to be recognised this year. 

Instead, the unexpected call from the Department of Sport brought a moment of joy and disbelief. 

The awards ceremony will be held at Sandton City on Sunday, 23 August.

"Honestly, the nomination caught me by surprise, despite knowing that between 2023 and 2025 I've won four Grand Slams and I did not receive any awards during that time, but you never really focus on recognition because you're just trying to drive towards your goals."

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Despite the surprise, the 40-year-old says she is excited to be recognised and is looking forward to attending the glamorous ceremony. 

Montjane has followed the SA Sports Awards for many years and believes it is special to see athletes’ hard work being acknowledged on such a big stage.

"It's exciting news and I'm very grateful for the recognition because that plays a part in motivating an athlete. I'm really excited and looking forward to the awards."

Montjane also reflected on what has been an emotionally and physically demanding year. 

The veteran star, who endured the heartbreaking loss of her mother during the Paris Paralympic Games two years ago, said this season has tested her in many ways as she experimented with different approaches in search of the right balance and results.

"This has been one of the toughest years of my career in terms of results because I tried a few new things in my team as well as in my own personal game. Now it's just a matter of grinding for the results I'm really working for."

The South African ace, who captured the Wimbledon wheelchair women’s doubles title alongside Japanese partner Yui Kamiji to secure the third Grand Slam doubles crown of her career, insists her season is far from over. 

Montjane hopes her nomination and remarkable journey from Limpopo to the top of world wheelchair tennis will inspire young girls across South Africa. 

Her message is simple, never give up, keep working hard, and always believe that dreams can come true regardless of the obstacles along the way.