He would arrange for a copious supply of whisky to be procured and shared.

Once they had enjoyed their fill, the celebrants would have to be woken up at OR Tambo International Airport.

His remarks on national  television were not reported in print and no one appears to have commented. However, we do worry about their appropriateness, especially in the same week as a COPE MP was sent home in disgrace for alleged misconduct while airborne under the influence.

Getting blind drunk on a plane may be common practice among some people but it is hardly an example for a Sascoc leader to set among young Olympians.

Far more appropriate were the actual incentives: R400 000 for a gold medal, R200 000 for silver and R80 000 for bronze.

These, and the rewards for coaches, are a far cry from the R500 000 total jackpot offered at Beijing in 2008.

However, while they may have some effect on the outcome, it is unlikely to be dramatic. For most events long, consistent training is required. Not much improvement can be expected from any additional training between now and the start of the Games on July 27.

In other words, incentives on this scale should be announced well in advance, even years ahead if possible. Of course merely getting to the Games is a huge motivator.

Winning a medal may be reward in itself and is bound to bring other good fortune.

Sascoc should consider incremental incentives too.  An  athlete who  reaches an Olympic  final is one of the best eight or so in the world.

That should be worth a few nuggets, if not a whole pot of gold.