Okon urges Bafana Bafana to build on return to FIFA top 50

Bafana Bafana defender Ime Okon says South Africa’s rise to 49th in the FIFA rankings reflects the progress being made across the country’s national teams and academies.

South Africa are now ranked 10th in Africa after victories over Guinea and Eritrea, moving into the world’s top 50 for the first time since October 2011.

The improvement has strengthened the players’ belief that they can continue climbing, with Okon keen to see Bafana Bafana make further progress in the coming rankings.

“It’s really motivating. You see the teams in front of you and believe that you can actually get more places up in the rankings,” said the former SuperSport United defender.

“It’s motivating and we just look forward to getting better spots.”

South Africa opened their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with wins against Guinea and Eritrea, while the national under-23 team defeated Algeria 3-1 in an international friendly on Thursday.

The under-23 side has also won the Cosafa U/20 Youth Championship for a third consecutive year, adding to an encouraging period for South African men’s football.

Okon believes those results are evidence of broader progress rather than an isolated improvement by the senior side.

“Yes, I think we are very much headed in the right direction,” he said. “The academies have been doing well over the past few years, bringing players into the set-up.

“It’s a true reflection of South African football at the moment. We can only go up from here.”

Egypt provide final test

Bafana Bafana will conclude this international period with a friendly against Egypt in Cairo this evening.

Head coach Pitso Mosimane is expected to make wholesale changes for the match, giving more players an opportunity to impress.

The squad has spent more than two weeks together in camp, allowing the players to develop their understanding and strengthen their relationships within the group.

Okon said the extended period together had been positive, despite the length of the stay.

“We have adjusted well. We know each other quite well. It’s been long, but it hasn’t really been long for us,” he said.

“We get along well. We are winning, so it’s a good feeling in the camp. We are just enjoying the time here.”

Egypt’s status as one of Africa’s leading sides presents another opportunity for South Africa’s players to measure themselves against strong opposition.

“As you know, Egypt is one of the biggest teams in Africa,” Okon said. “As a player, you always want to play the best teams. You always want to challenge yourself.

“I think the team is excited to play against them and test ourselves.”