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Mokoena coins it

WELL DONE:l African Dawn's chief executive Marius van Tonder presented SA's sole Olumpic medalist Khotso Mokoena with a R100 00 cheque yesterday. Pic. Mohau Mofokeng. 28/08/2008. © Sowetan.
WELL DONE:l African Dawn's chief executive Marius van Tonder presented SA's sole Olumpic medalist Khotso Mokoena with a R100 00 cheque yesterday. Pic. Mohau Mofokeng. 28/08/2008. © Sowetan.

Mcelwa Nchabeleng

Mcelwa Nchabeleng

Corporate South Africa continues to acknowledge the country's sole Beijing Olympics medallist, Khotso "Crocodile" Mokoena, and more accolades are expected for the talented long jumper.

This after African Dawn, a financial services company presented him with a cheque for R100000 in Johannesburg yesterday for his heroism in Beijing.

The company gave him the same amount for his preparations for the Olympics and it will also take care of him as he prepares for the next two Olympic Games.

The money came a few days after Mokoena received R500 000 from Absa.

Mokoena made history by becoming the first black South African athlete to win a medal at the Olympics in field events.

His achievement in Beijing was extraordinary because he succeeded without a coach after he parted company with Angus Pohl in June.

"I feel honoured by what African Dawn has done for me and I want to work hard not to disappoint my backers and the country in the coming Olympics," said an elated Mokoena.

Asked what he will do with his loot, the 23-year-old said he will invest all his money.

"I have not taken a decision about what to do with the money but I will not rush to use it," he said.

Marius van Tonder, the company's chief executive, described Mokoena's achievements as exceptional.

"He was without a coach in Beijing but still managed a medal. It was unbelievable," said Van Tonder who also slated the government for not investing enough in local athletes.

"When we were approached by iSport [the athletics management company that manages Mokoena] for financial assistance for the Olympics we did not hesitate because we knew what Khotso is capable of.

"He is still young and we will support him for the next two Olympics.

"We have also asked him to shop for new talent in his area and we will back this talent identification programme."

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