Le Clos has won a gold and three silver medals at the 2012 and 2016 Games in swimming, while Mbande, whose is the goalkeeper for the South African women's hockey team, will compete in her first Olympics.

In a break from tradition, the IOC confirmed that each national team could nominate one female and one male athlete as flagbearers.

The president of SASCOC, Barry Hendricks, welcomed the change in tradition and feels that both Le Clos and Mbande are role models to the nation.

“In previous Games there was one flagbearer for a country at the opening ceremony, and one at the closing ceremony.

“In a welcomed change, the IOC adopted a resolution that each national Olympic committee could nominate one female and one male athlete as flagbearers.

“As always, it was incredibly difficult to arrive at the decision as to who to carry the flag in the opening ceremony.

“Both Chad and Phumelela are role models and inspirations for their respective sports and we’re proud to have them carrying the flag for our wonderful nation.”

The opening ceremony will get underway at 13:00 on Friday afternoon.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport