Sascoc finally set for Opex launch after R66 million injection

Opex is a programme aimed at supporting athletes with the potential to qualify for world events at the highest level in multi-coded sporting codes, but was suspended in 2018 due to financial constraints. 

Sascoc CEO Nozipho Jafta told SABC Sport that Opex would be up and running in May, with various sports federations already finalising potential athletes on the list.

"So, we are launching Opex on the 11th of May. We are also announcing our naming rights sponsor, the one that I was talking about who's giving R66 million for athletes' development. But they've already launched it internally as an organisation because it was important for them as an organisation to get their staff buy-in, as well as their management so everyone can rally behind Team SA," she said.

Opex will consist of three tiers, which will focus on funding elite athletes, developing athletes, as well as grassroots.

"So, you've got your top tier which is your podium potentials those are the ones that you expect to get medals from. Then we've got the second tier which is your development, those getting ready for 2028, we know they're not going to do well in 2024, we are getting them ready for 2028. Then the third tier is grassroots, we are going around doing talent identification, working with our partner and sponsor to find talent," she added.

The programme will accommodate 50 Olympic athletes and 40 Paralympic athletes to the tune of R50 million, allowing them to focus solely on preparing for the Paris 2024 Games.

"Opex will cover their team preparation, and their living expenses. We want them to focus on their performance, we want them to focus on their preparation. So, we cover most of their expenses, your medical aid, and rent for all the different athletes that we have identified. So, we have received the names, we are reviewing them. Making sure that there is a very good balance, gender, race, and disability," she concluded.