On Thursday, the latest Fifa rankings were released which saw Banyana Banyana move into 53rd spot.

The senior women’s national team finished sixth at the recent Cyprus Cup which likely prompted the rise from 54th position.

After caretaker boss Desiree Ellis was appointed on a permanent basis in February, Banyana will be looking to prepare themselves for the African Cup of Nations second qualifying round.

The 2017 Caf Women’s National Team of the Year lost 3-0 in an international friendly against Sweden in January. They, however, managed to beat Hungary and draw with Slovakia and Korea DPR during the Cyprus Cup group stages, all without conceding a single goal. They ended up losing 2-1 against Belgium in the 5th place playoff but would have been pleased with their performance.

Ellis’ team are currently ranked the fourth-highest African nation on the Fifa list and are only behind leaders Nigeria, Ghana and Cameroon. Ellis will undoubtedly be hoping for more international fixtures to help her side improve and also further climb the Fifa rankings.

The USA continue to top the women’s rankings and are followed by England, Germany, Canada, France, Australia, Netherlands, Brazil, Sweden and Korea DPR in making up the top 10.