Tennis ace leaves dry season behind

Montjane scores R1.5m in sponsors

South Africa’s highest-ranked wheelchair tennis women’s player Kgothatso “KG” Montjane is breathing a sigh of relief after attracting about 10 sponsors who have pledged nearly R1.5-million to end her previous financial woes.

Montjane made headlines in June when she went to compete at Wimbledon without her coach, due to a lack of sponsorship.

Although her fairytale run ended in the semifinals, succumbing to a straight sets defeat by Dutch woman Diede de Groot, Montjane was the first black African woman to compete at Wimbledon.

Now as Montjane, 32, gears up for her next big tournament, the US Open starting from September 6-9, she does not have to stress about financial issues anymore.

This comes after 10 corporates such as Aspen Pharmacies and Audi Polokwane, among others, contributed R1.5-million to fund the Limpopo-born tennis ace.

“It is a huge relief that now I have sponsors who will take care of me. I am grateful to all the people who contributed,” Montjane said at her send-off and sponsorship announcement function in Rosebank, Johannesburg, yesterday.

“KG” declared her readiness to compete in the US Open, registering her happiness that now she’ll be able to travel with her coach. She will also take part in a preparatory competition, the US Open Super Series, later this month.

“I am ready to go for the kill at the US open. In the Grand Slams, only the best in the world compete there. I will give my best; I am ready.

“I am happy that I will also travel with my coach; that should be an advantage.”

Other companies that lent their hand are Makole Group, Women Development Bank, HPC University of Pretoria, Lotto Sport, Ottobock, Casaletti Attorneys and Bonareng Office Suppliers.

About R75 000 was donated by anonymous people.