Source: @Bona
South Africa’s rise to 48th in the FIFA rankings marks a breakthrough for Pitso Mosimane’s second spell as Bafana Bafana coach. Three victories have lifted the national team six places from 54th, earning 1,468.88 points and their highest position since October 2011.
The results came against Guinea, Eritrea and Egypt, with South Africa winning 2-1 and 5-0 in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers before claiming a 1-0 friendly victory away to Egypt. The ranking gains a productive international window, but Mosimane’s greater task is to turn that form into a team capable of sustaining results throughout a qualifying campaign.
Bafana remain 10th in Africa, behind Mali, who occupy 47th globally. That narrow gap gives South Africa a tangible reference point, although climbing further will require consistent performances rather than a single productive window. Morocco lead the continental standings in seventh, followed by Senegal in 18th.
How the Bafana Bafana ranking could benefit South African football
FIFA rankings have consequences beyond international prestige. Depending on the competition regulations, a stronger position can improve seeding for tournament draws and potentially ease the route through qualifying. However, South Africa’s 48th-place standing does not automatically secure a bye or guarantee favourable treatment in every competition.
The ranking can also influence opportunities for South African players pursuing careers in England. The English Football Association’s Governing Body Endorsement system assesses overseas players through criteria that include international appearances, the standard of competition and their national team’s FIFA position. A higher ranking can help players accumulate points towards the required threshold, although individual eligibility depends on the full assessment.
Percy Tau’s move to Brighton & Hove Albion illustrates the difficulties South African players have faced under these rules. Unable to join the Premier League side immediately, he spent time on loan at Union Saint-Gilloise and Club Brugge in Belgium before making his English top-flight debut.
South Africa’s improved standing could therefore strengthen the case for future recruits, provided they meet the applicable requirements. The benefit extends beyond established internationals, since stronger representation in England can widen the exposure available to South African footballers.
Mosimane must now keep Bafana moving in the right direction. Their AFCON qualification remains unresolved, and opponents will have opportunities to adjust after studying his first matches. Maintaining the team’s results through the next qualifying fixtures would give this ranking gain lasting value and strengthen South Africa’s position among Africa’s leading national sides.
