South Africa have returned to the Fifa world top 50 for the first time in 15 years, giving Pitso Mosimane’s rebuilding project another boost.
Bafana Bafana climbed from 50th to 49th in the latest rankings, having briefly held 50th place during Mosimane’s previous spell as coach in October 2011.
The improvement follows a strong start to Mosimane’s second tenure. South Africa began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Guinea at Orlando Stadium before defeating Eritrea 5-0 in Cairo.
Those results have put Bafana Bafana top of Group D after two matches.
South Africa will face Egypt in a friendly at Cairo International Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off at 9pm in Egypt and 8pm South Africa time. The Pharaohs will be seeking revenge for their shock last-16 defeat by Stuart Baxter’s side at the same venue in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
The match also carries particular significance for Mosimane, who built a strong reputation in Egypt during his first spell in charge of South Africa.
He led Mamelodi Sundowns to victory over Zamalek in the 2016 Caf Champions League before taking charge of Al Ahly, where he won several trophies, including two more Champions League titles.
The latest ranking has been welcomed by centre-back Ime Okon, who believes it can encourage the squad to continue the progress begun under Mosimane’s predecessor, Hugo Broos.
“It’s really motivating. And then you see the teams in front of you, and you think you can actually get more places and go up [even more],” said the Hannover 96 defender.
“We just look forward to getting better spots now.”
Okon formed a central defensive partnership with highly rated prospect Mbekezeli Mbokazi when South Africa were eliminated by co-hosts Canada in the last 32 of the 2026 Fifa World Cup in June.
He has since played alongside another promising defender, Rangers FC’s Olwethu Makhanya, in each of Mosimane’s first two matches since returning to the role.
Mosimane has more scope to assess his options against Egypt, although he will also want to maintain the early momentum created by the wins over Guinea and Eritrea.
Among the players who could be introduced are forwards Puso Dithejane, Mbokazi’s in-form team-mate at Chicago Fire, and Shandre Campbell, the KV Kortrijk prospect from Belgium.
Okon said the quality of the opposition would provide an important test for South Africa.
“As we know, Egypt is one of the best teams in Africa. As a player you always want to play against the best teams and always want to challenge yourself,” he said.
“The feeling in the team is we’re very excited to play against them and test ourselves and see what [level we are at] and to show them what we are about.”
