Win consistently and you will go up the rankings...not many matches pre WC however...not that it will make a difference to SA's draw.
As a comparison (and note I am not talking up Aussies prowess...just showing what can be done), the Socceroos were ranked 92nd in 2000 and are now 16th (up from 29th) and already qualified through the Asia group.
How did they get there?
The government initiated the
Crawford Review into the structure , governance and management of Soccer in Australia.
Radical changes were made including a brand new domestic competition, with scrapping even of long standing clubs based on ethnicity which caused division.
The new competition has a higher standard including marquee overseas players and competing in the Asia club champs.
Appointment of Guus Hiddink to lead them to 2006 WC where they finally lost to Italy who went to QF on a last minute controversial penalty.
After Hiddink left and interim coach Arnold, they shopped for similar coach and appointed Pim Verbeeck.
Domestic players are given experience where necessary, but European based players are forced to play in key games
etc etc.
Bafana Bafana is playing well...but to take it to the next level, they have to think big. Cultural icons mean nothing if it causes division. Coaches with winning credentials at WC and European level (such as Hiddink, Verbeeck) should be lured and given power to implement.
If you want to play with the big boys you have to think like the big boys.
SA has a 100 fold more soccer interest and following than Australia, but the latter are used to 'buying' their way into international success with a small pool of elites, by being really professional.
SA should be in the top 10 and the best in Africa with the players they have...
cheers
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