
The move was triggered by an impressive run in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers where Bafana Bafana finished the campaign unbeaten. The latest move sees the SA national team move from 57th to 51st in the world. They now lie 11th on the continent.
Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba said the Rankings were important in highlighting the team’s progress. Mashaba took over as new national coach in August and has since turned the national team into a force to be reckoned with.
“I am very impressed by this progress but I believe we still have a long way to go. Gradually we will get to where we want to take this team to. There is a lot of talent and will; and those two are catalysts for sustainable success,” said Mashaba.
An impressive qualifying campaign saw Bafana Bafana rack up 12 points in six matches. They also achieved a massive moral victory as they edged out defending African champions Nigeria out of the tournament following a 2-2 draw in the final qualifying match.
Bafana Bafana are currently in camp preparing for the 2014 Nelson Mandela Challenge against Ivory Coast scheduled for Sunday at Mbombela Stadium. Kick-off is at 15:00.