Speaking at the SASCOC General Meeting at Olympic House in Johannesburg, Sam also claimed many National Federations, including rowing, hockey, cycling and wrestling, were optimistic that their athletes can be successful in Rio following a string of impressive results.

"We are there so we shouldn't look down upon ourselves," Sam said.

"To this effect, are we therefore correct to say we are going for 10 medals in Rio.

"If we are not confident enough should we reduce the number to five?

"We are focusing on going to the podium for the Olympics and we don't want mediocrity, we want to be the best of the best."


Chad le Clos London was one of three South African gold medal winners at London 2012 ©Getty Images



South Africa won a total of six medals at London 2012, including three gold, their best performance since Antwerp 1920, when they won 10 medals. 

Two of South Africa's gold medals came in the pool thanks to Cameron van der Burgh in the 100 metres breaststroke and Chad le Clos in the 200m butterfly, beating Michael Phelps.

The third gold medal also came on the water, with the men's lightweight coxless rowing team triumphing. 

Sam wants other sports in South Africa to to ensure they are offering the best support to their athletes.  

"We put a plan in place to identify athletes way in advance, support them and we are supporting our coaches to make sure that our athletes are the best," he said.

"We review our structures regularly to see if they work. 

"If we want to achieve our goals within this quadrennial, we have to follow all processes that make sports succeed."

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