Newly-re-elected SA Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) president Gideon Sam has promised to crack the whip on non-performing sports federations.

“We have to stop all the disputes within federations. This is not a dispute federation, we have to deal with important issues. We can’t have leaderships that are always plotting at the expense of athletes. They are always preoccupied with positions,” said Sam after being re-elected unopposed yesterday.

He said he anticipated a tough four years ahead of him.

“There are federations that are dying and need help to revive. Some of them can bring back medals from the Olympics. We are all servants because we are serving the nation. I am pleading with leaders to stop hiding their hands and work with us,” Sam said.

Sam said they were also looking at a new funding model.

He has already told Parliament the body needs R400?million to prepare athletes for the 2016 Games in Brazil.

He wants to establish a training centre in Europe, which would enable South African athletes to compete on the European circuit.

While the London Games were South Africa’s most successful since readmission in 1992, the six medals South African athletes won (three gold, two silver and a bronze) failed to meet the national goal of 12.

Even though Safa commanded more nominations on the list, only one member, Mubarak Mohamed, made it through.

Safa president Kirsten Nematandani and NEC member Nomsa Mahlangu did not secure votes for seats on the committee.

Incumbent vice-presidents Leslie Williams and Hajera Kajee were also re-elected.

Other board members include Mark Alexander, Kobus Marais, Keikabile Motlatsi and Temba Hlasho.