Pro-cyclist says ‘Education is key’

The academy provides basic mountain bike and life skills training to underprivileged youth from schools in and around Diepsloot. Mokgopo, who is currently an academy co-ordinator and mentor to the children, explained his duties at the academy and what it entails.

“I assist in running the programme on the ground and help underprivileged children with opportunities to participate in recreational and competitive sporting activities that enhance their sense of self-belief and self-respect,” he said.

He revealed that there were a number of people who influenced his cycling career and helped him get where he is today.

“The founders of the academy, my community and the late Burry Stander have inspired me,” he added.

He has achieved many sporting accolades such as being on the Barclays Beyond Sport Summit where he talked to respective industry players.

Mokgopo believes his greatest achievement was being a full time student at the University of Pretoria where he studied sports sciences and was selected as one of the Top 20 young inspirational men in the country.

He explained that it was difficult balancing studying and being a pro-cyclist, but he still managed to make his studies a priority while achieving great success in the cycling world.

Since working at the academy with many inspirational children, Mokgopo said the programme has taught him hope and to believe in himself.

“I believe in myself and in truly going out and working hard for what I want. I want the young kids across our country to see that if I can make it, so can they,” he said.

Mokgopo stressed that education is key and said he wanted the youth of South Africa to take their education seriously as it is the gateway to a bright future.

“You can be the best athlete, but as a sportsman, you always need something to fall back on to help make your sporting career a successful one,” he said.