Banyana Banyana climb in latest Fifa rankings BUT….

Banyana Banyana have climbed only nine spots in the FIFA rankings despite reaching the last 16 of the Women’s World Cup.

Desiree Ellis’ charges wrote their name into the history books after they became the first-ever senior national football team, men or women, to make it out of the group stages of a FIFA tournament.

Banyana reached the last 16 by beating Italy in their last group match before going down 2-0 to the Netherlands. Many fans were hoping that Ellis’ team would at least rank in the top 30 in the world.

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FIFA released the rankings on Friday and sees South Africa jump to 45th in the world and second in Africa.

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Nigeria, who also reached the round of 16 in the World Cup, jumped to 32nd in the world. Morocco moved up more spots with a 14-place jump to 52nd in the world and fourth in Africa.

Banyana rise in latest rankings after good World Cup

Sweden is top of the rankings ahead of World Champions Spain.

Minister of Sport, Art and Culture, Zizi Kodwa celebrated Banyana’s achievement at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which was held in Australia and New Zealand.

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Sweden go top in the rankings

“Women athletes made the 2023 women’s month a memorable one! I am so elated about these achievements. We owe it to them to do all in our power to afford them the recognition and support they deserve and more. May today’s celebrations be the catalyst for the continued honouring of our elite sportswomen,” he said last week.  

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