South Africa are considering making a bid to host the 2020 Olympics, according to the country's Sports and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula.

They had been seen as a leading contender to host the Games in nine years' time but the government ruled out a bid in May, stating that it would take too much money away from state finances.

However, the government are reconsidering the decision and will discuss the matter in cabinet.

"From the Ministry of Sports, we are quite interested," Mbalula told Reuters. "So we will go back to cabinet in a week's time and represent our case to fit in the information that was not there.

"In this instance, Durban has put an important bid to us, which is convincing."

South Africa were thought to be strong candidates to host the Olympics after their successful hosting of the 2010 football World Cup.