Congratulatory messages and praises continue to pour in for Limpopo-born wheelchair tennis player, Kgothatso Montjane, after she and her Japan team-mate, Yui Kamiji claimed a remarkable Wimbledon Ladies’ Wheelchair Doubles victory in London.
The two defeated the Dutch duo, Diede De Groot and Aniek van Koot 6-4,6-4 in straight sets during an electrified clash on Sunday.
Montjane, who is the first black South African woman to compete at Wimbledon, clinched her third grand slam title with this victory.
The Sports, Persons with Disabilities ministries and the Limpopo government were amongst those who extended their well wishes and tributes to the champ.
“Congratulations to Kgothatso Montjane, our fuel from Seshego, for being the first black woman to win a Wimbledon trophy.
Today she won the doubles finals.
Limpopo young women from humble beginnings continue to fly our flag high.
They continue to inspire our girls,” wrote the Limpopo Premier, Phophi Ramathuba.
Her comments were echoed by the Minister of Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga.
”Kgothatso Montjane’s victory brings hope to women, youth and persons with disabilities in South Africa.
The White Paper on Rights of Persons with Disabilities gives clarion directives under each of the 9 Strategic Pillars, a responsibility to eradicate persistent systemic discrimination and exclusion experienced by persons with disabilities,” Chikunga.
After arriving home to a hero’s welcome at the OR Tambo International Airport, the ecstatic Montjane thanked the love she received from fans but, however, appealed for more support from the government.
”For me this victory is just making sure that the legacy of wheelchair tennis exists.
I’m sure you know the struggle us wheelchair tennis players in the country face, we are still pleading for the support to get our programmes running,” pleaded the champion.
Montjane also expressed gratitude to all her sponsors and says the financial backing she received was instrumental in her triumph.
