Sonny Bill Williams wins battle to build mosque in Sydney's south

Sporting great Sonny Bill Williams has won a battle to have a mosque built in Sydney's south.

Approval has been gained to build the mosque and community hub in Hurstville after what has been a long and personal fight from the devout Muslim.

"Perseverance means patience and that's what we've had," he said.

"It's been four and a bit, four to five years in the making.

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"It's been long overdue but thank god we're here now."

Williams grew up as a Christian but in his 20s he found the Islam faith.

"I think that's the biggest pleasure I get out of being a Muslim is that yes, I have my struggles, but I'm always striving to be better," he said.

He is also striving to give back with fellow sportsmen at fundraising nights for the mosque.

Between them, Williams and NRL star and boxer Anthony Mundine have donated close to $200,000.

"It's finally happened," Mundine said.

"It's been a long time coming, I mean we tried and tried for years and years."

A site which is now a rundown nursing home will be overhauled for the $5 million mosque and community centre.

"It's going to be something special," Williams said.