Mokgopo nominated for Gauteng Sport Award
DIEPSLOOT – William Mokgopo of Ext 6 in Diepsloot has been nominated for the Gauteng Sports Award, the only cyclist to be nominated this year
William Mokgopo of Diepsloot has been nominated as one of this year’s Gauteng Sports Awards finalists.
The 26-year-old mountain biker is originally from Diepsloot Ext 6 and got his start in the sport by being part of the Diepsloot Mountain Bike Academy, a non-governmental organisation based in the township which develops sports skills and life skills among underprivileged youth.
Mokgopo was announced as a finalist by Faith Mazibuko, MEC for Gauteng Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation at an event hosted at the Green Hills Stadium in Randfontein on 3 August.
This is the second time that Mokgopo has been nominated in the Sport Personality of the Year category, the first time being in 2015. The awards recognise and honour Gauteng athletes, teams and individuals who have excelled during the year.
“The Diepsloot Mountain Bike Academy is where I started cycling and was introduced to the sport,” he told Fourways Review.
“I joined a few months after founder Simon Nash started the academy so I’ve basically been with them for more than 10 years. It had everything to do with my career [in the sport] today as I was given the opportunity and I used it.
“Simon Nash mentored me then and still mentors me now.”
Mokgopo is a six-time Absa Cape Epic finisher and races for the University of Pretoria. He is the only cyclist to be nominated this year among the athletes.
“In a year where things are a bit difficult for me and I’m struggling with sickness, it’s very easy to lose hope, so being nominated brings me hope that I’m more than just a cyclist and it’s a great honour to be recognised,” he said.
“I wouldn’t be able to do this without the belief and motivation from my partners Triviron Project Management and Merida Bikes, my family, friends and the amazing team I work with that keeps me going.
“It is not always an easy road but we continue to move forward and achieve our goals.”
The winners of the Gauteng Sports Awards will be announced at Silverstar Casino on 2 September, and the winner in Mokgopo’s category will be determined by public vote.
To vote for him, SMS ‘Sport 06’ to 49497. SMSes cost R1.50. Free SMSes do not apply. Voting closes 2 September at 5pm.
Details: @WilliamMokgopo on Twitter and @weeleeyumjnr on Instagram.
