There is a chance for a medal in the jumps with veteran Khotso Mokoena next in line in the Rio Olympic Stadium sand pits for the triple jump qualification round this afternoon (2.30pm SA time).

A lot is expected from the 31-year-old, who will be bidding for another major medal in the technically challenging event, to add to his gold from the Commonwealth Games and African Championships (both 2014), as well as the 2004 world champs.

Based on his one line that he posted on his Twitter account in his build up to the event, Mokoena is psyched up, even more inspired by the fact that Luvo Manyonga has already placed the marker for Team SA's athletics squad when the 25-year-old delivered track and field's first medal in Rio yesterday.

"The wait is killing me!" Mokoena tweeted four days ago and followed up with a special note for Manyonga yesterday.

"Well done Luvo the great youngster. You put up a good fight. I can't wait to witness you break my African record [8.50m]," posted Mokoena on Twitter, who ironically was dethroned in the long jump by Manyonga.

The jumps are quite unpredictable and the competitors often fumble it the run-up.

Mokoena fancies his chance despite a huge threat posed by three men who have established triple jump's fiercest rivalry lately - Christian Taylor (US), Nelson Evora (Portugal) and Pablo Pichardo (Cuba) bested Mokoena at the world championships in China last year.

But the target will be to make the 12 that will contest the final tomorrow (2.50pm).