So far, so good: Noel nails big win in KDC event in Free State
SKATEBOARDING whizz kid Noel Cossa’s story is one of resilience, determination, and a relentless pursuit of his dreams.
The young skater from Maputo, Mozambique, has defied the odds and proved that success comes to those who are willing to take risks, work hard, and never give up.
Noel recently took part in the 4th Grand Slam skateboarding competition at the Thaba Nchu Skate Park in Bloemfontein, and true to his word, he delivered a performance that left the judges in awe. Competing in the intense South African heat, Noel showcased his skill and determination by taking part in every event available to him.
“There was very good talent at the competition, and that challenged me to push harder,” he told the DFA in a recent interview.
Noel told the DFA that one of the highlights of the competition was an event where each skater had 45 seconds to execute as many tricks as possible. He said that he made the most of his time, impressing the judges and securing the top spot, walking away with R15,000 in prize money.
“It felt really good winning, and I am really grateful that I could do what I wanted to do when I left Mozambique for South Africa. I can now start fulfilling a dream to help my mother and start paying for my studies,” he said.
While Noel has not yet been able to speak directly with his mother about his victory – since she does not have access to WhatsApp – he is certain she will be overjoyed when he returns home.
He has, however, managed to let her know of his success thus far by asking friends to tell her of what’s been happening, so the family back home are not completely unaware of their superstar’s achievements.
“She is going to be very happy when I come back home. This is only the second time that I have taken first place in an event, and winning this amount of money is a big moment for me,” he added.
Noel’s journey, however, does not stop in Bloemfontein. His next challenge awaits in Durban, where he will compete in the best trick event at the next Grand Slam. However, due to competition rules, previous winners are not eligible to claim prize money again – this is due to an effort by organisers to ensure that more skaters have an opportunity to earn rewards.
After Durban, Noel plans to return home to Mozambique briefly before making his way back to Kimberley for the highly anticipated Kimberley Diamond Cup Apex event at the Skate Plaza in March.
This time, at the finals, he will potentially be able to bag some more cash. For Noel, this is an opportunity to showcase his best skills and test himself against some of the finest skaters in the country.
His remarkable journey, from travelling alone to South Africa with no clear plan of where he would sleep or eat to becoming a recognised name in the skateboarding community, has inspired many. People in Mozambique who had never heard of Noel Cossa now recognise his name, and he has become somewhat of a celebrity back home.
“They saw my story and what I did – travelling to South Africa by bus, not knowing where I would sleep or eat, and it looked impossible. But if you put your mind to it, you can make your dreams come true, and that is what I did,” he shared.
Noel has a simple but powerful message to those back home: “Don’t ever give up. Always believe that anything is possible. Just do it.”
Recently, Noel’s inspiring journey caught the attention of the Diamond Pavilion Mall in Kimberley. Management at the Mall reached out after reading about his story in the DFA, and in a generous show of support, the mall donated R1,000 to assist Noel on his path.
“I am very grateful that the Diamond Pavilion Mall sponsored me. I will use this wisely, and I will make them proud,” he concluded.
Noel Cossa is not just a skater; he is a young man with a dream, a purpose, and an unwavering belief in himself. His story serves as a reminder that success does not come from waiting for handouts but from taking bold steps forward, even when the path is uncertain.
And with the confidence and passion he carries, his dreams are becoming a reality.