Jingles delivers: Bafana climb FIFA rankings after perfect international break

Bafana Bafana have continued to climb the FIFA rankings following three successive victories under returning head coach Pitso Mosimane.

Mosimane has made a perfect start to his second spell in charge of the national team, winning all three of his matches during the latest international break.

He began his tenure with a 2-1 victory over Guinea in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier before Bafana followed that up with a convincing 5-0 win over Eritrea.

On Sunday, South Africa completed a memorable international break by edging Egypt in Cairo, making it three wins from three against increasingly challenging opposition.

Where are Bafana Bafana in the FIFA World Rankings?

Bafana have moved up to 48th in the FIFA World Rankings, continuing their upward trajectory after their impressive run of results.

With more AFCON qualifiers coming up next month, South Africa will be looking to maintain their winning momentum and push towards a place in the top 40.

During the two AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, Mosimane largely stuck with the core of the team that represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup under Hugo Broos.

The coach opted to continue with the formula that has brought Bafana success in recent years, particularly with a settled group of players who have developed together at international level.

However, Mosimane showed his willingness to make changes against Egypt.

Jingles introduced more youngsters into the team for the trip to Cairo, and they rewarded his faith with an impressive victory over a strong Egyptian side.

The result has given Bafana further momentum as Mosimane looks to build on the foundations laid by Broos while also introducing the next generation of South African talent.

Bafana’s rise to 48th in the rankings, is particularly significant for Mosimane, who previously guided the national team into the FIFA top 50 during his first spell in charge.

More than a decade later, Jingles has now returned with Bafana back among the world’s top 50 and seemingly moving in the right direction.