September 2009 gStar: Kgothatso Montjane

Written by the gsport Features Desk

Friday, 18 September 2009 10:17

The September 2009 gStar is no ordinary athlete, but like many who share challenges that she faces, her life is one of daily bravery and dedication. You see, to be physically disabled is a burden on top of all the others commonly faced by South African women athletes, but Kgothatso Montjane isn’t having any of that pity stuff.

No, she reflected on the support of her parents, and once she was introduced to wheelchair tennis, she quickly rose through the ranks to claim to the no. 1 South African women’s wheelchair tennis spot, and has never looked back, and challenges all South Africans to “live good and healthy, and love sport!” In fact, if challenged, she’s decided that her no. 1 spot isn’t going to be conceded gently.

She’s got a fiery sense of humour, but it’s the hours on the court that show her dedication to her prime passion, a dedication to the tennis court on wheels. Please welcome the 2009 gStar: Kgothatso Montjane!

Do you have a nickname that your friends call you?

Yes, they call me KG, some call me KAY.

Where were you born, and where do you live now?

I was born in Groothoek Hospital, now known as Lebowakgomo Hospital, what I just don’t know is which side of Limpopo province, I live in Luthuli Park Phase 2 Seshego, just outside the capital city of Limpopo province, which was called Pietersburg, but now is known as Polokwane.

What makes you most proud to count yourself as a South African?

Being able to produce my South African’s identity … Just bluffing! What really makes me a proud South African mostly is my beautiful country, the nature of it various cultures and their moral values.

Were you born disabled, or how did you suffer your disability?

Yeah, I born with congenital deformity on both legs and hands, and I have undergone several operations on my left leg and right hand, and I was amputated on my right leg in 1999 at Polokwane Provincial hospital.

How have you withstood and overcome the pressure of being disabled?

I can say thanks to my parents by taking me to special school, because it made my life easier and to accept myself, as I realised I wasn’t the only one who is having a disability, so it made my life easier to live around people who are able-bodied.

When did you first become interested in playing sport?

It was in 1999, while I was still in primary school I joined the athletic group, and that’s where the love for sport started.

How old were you when you started playing wheelchair tennis?

I was 19 years old when I start playing wheelchair tennis, I was doing my matric by then.

Congratulations on your national no. 1 ranking: When did you first claim the top spot, and what does it feel like to be South Africa’s best?

Thanks, it was in 2005 if I recall very well when I won my first tournament in South Africa, and I’m very proud of myself, because it takes me a lot of hard work to maintain the number one spot, and I’m not gonna let it slip through my toes easily, and its not gonna be anytime soon.

To what do you ascribe your success in the past few years?

My passion and determination.

You have also tasted success on the international tour, with wins to improve South Africa’s rankings in the 2009 Invacare World Team Cup- Is the international experience improving your game?

Yes it does you know as playing against people who play tennis everyday of their lives it might be difficult at times but one need to handle the pressure they bring about and show them that I am capable of handling my own game situation.

And as for improving South Africa’s rankings in the 2009 Invacare World Team Cup, it is a very huge step for South African wheelchair tennis as it shows that South Africa as country can also produce good players. And I’m very proud to be a South African.

South Africa will host the 2011 World Team Cup and has qualified on merit- How is it that South Africa is such a strong contender in wheelchair tennis?

I think for South Africa being a strong contender in wheelchair tennis is it because of the program of development they have, in a way that they develop their players to become competent in their tennis and in way which players react to the programs offered to them, and the abilities of the players it really gives Wheelchair Tennis South Africa (WTSA) a lot of courage to their development and to build stronger team to be able to compete against other countries.

What are South Africa’s chances of qualifying for 2012 Paralympic Games wheelchair tennis?

There are lots of chances for qualifying for 2012 Paralympics. Looking at the rankings and performance of most of players, its really impressing and its promising that definitely 2012 we will be there.

How do you keep fit?

I usually go to the gym to work on my cardio and strength training, and playing tennis, as a sport it also keep me fit because I play tennis for competitive reasons and for leisure reasons.

What are you currently studying?

I am studying a BSc Recreation and Leisure Studies, at the University of Venda, and I’m in level four now, which is a final year for my BSc. I’m really looking forward to doing my best, so that I graduate next year.

How do you balance your sporting career with your other obligations?

Oh, that it’s difficult at times, you know, mostly because I am a student. But what I usually do is, when I had to go for tennis events, I take my books along so that when I have time, I study, because there were several times where I had to leave for tennis events, but then I return to find that the exams are waiting.

So, at times I’m forced to take along my books. At times, when I come back from tennis events, I’m forced to take a break on tennis- no more practice until I catch up on my studies.

But the problem is I can’t just hang in my room doing nothing, while I know the tennis court is waiting for me!

Do you have professional sponsors?

No, currently the sponsor that I depend on its ACSA, which it is a main sponsor for WTSA.

What is a sport you’d most like to participate in, other than wheelchair tennis?

Table tennis and wheelchair basketball!

What is the state of women’s wheelchair tennis in South Africa’s?

It’s looking good mostly, when looking at their world ranking and their potential towards this sport.

How can we further improve the sport in South Africa?

I think if lots of sponsors can be involved in this sport, it will take this sport to higher heights, and it will increase level of participation for people with disabilities.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?

Eish, I can’t remember of any, but what I’m usually advised is to keep my head up, because I have I talent.

Who would you like to acknowledge for having had faith in you, and having supported your career choices?

My parents, for having faith in me! They have never doubted what I am capable of doing, even things they never thought I can do.

WTSA and my coaches, for giving me the opportunity of being involved in the sport.

ACSA, for providing me with the equipment: it keeps me involved in this sport.

gsport, for always letting the world know about me.

And all media involved in making people be aware of this sport.

gsport strives to celebrate femininity. How would you define femininity, and what role does it play in your life?

I think qualities and behaviors ideally associated with women, and the role it plays in my life is being treated with respect.

What is your biggest wish for 2010?

Seeing myself graduating, and luckily even working! And to see South Africa being successful in hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Who are your favourite sports stars?

Esther Vergeer- world number 1 female wheelchair tennis player; Stephen Houdet- world number two men’s wheelchair tennis player; Brian Habana; and Itumeleng Khune.

Who are your role models?