Everything is relative, of course – and while Bafana Bafana improved a dismal Fifa ranking of 85th to 80th when the latest rankings were released on Wednesday, Cameroon, their opponents in next week’s Nelson Mandela Challenge, have slipped from 12th place to 14th.
In the process, the Indomitable Lions retain their position as the top team in Africa and South Africa remain in an ignominious 17th place on the continent.
South Africa’s snail-paced ascent is the result of four recent victories against modest opposition, but a success in the Mandela Challenge game in Rustenburg could result in a more meaningful improvement.
Bafana coach Joel Santana is due to announce his squad on Thursday, with few changes expected from the team that beat an under-strength Ghana last month.
However, players who are reported to be viewed as possible additions to the squad are Orlando Pirates and former Jomo Cosmos wing Dikgang ”The Terminator” Mabelane and Europe-based mid fielder Elrio van Heerden, who is now over a long-standing injury. — Sapa