In order for South Africa's Bafana Bafana to continue their ascent up the FIFA rankings and remain among the world's top national teams, head coach Pitso Mosimane has stressed the need of playing tough foreign opponents in friendly matches.

Careful opponent selection, according to Mosimane, will be pivotal to the team's ongoing success as they seek to elevate South Africa's status on the global scene.

The coach has made it plain that Bafana Bafana would need to take a strategic approach to scheduling international matches if they want to retain or improve their present position in the FIFA global rankings, which now sit at 48th place.

Instead of playing against weaker sides, South Africa plans to utilise international friendlies to see how they stack up against strong national squads.

Competing against more formidable opponents may help players hone their skills, reveal areas of improvement, and provide the technical staff a better idea of how prepared the team is for intense games.

Playing these kind of matches may also assist Bafana Bafana get ready for big tournaments, when discipline and consistency are key, like the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup.

With Mosimane, it's not enough to just keep a decent place in the world rankings. Putting up a squad that can hold its own against the best in international football is also a major focus.

In their pursuit of becoming a perennial power in African football and a more formidable opponent against teams from other continents, South Africa places a premium on playing quality competition.

Without the usual pressures of competitive games, international friendlies provide a chance for managers to try out new tactical systems, assess young talent, and foster team spirit.

The real test will be in turning these encounters into victories, as results and performances are what matter most to FIFA when determining team rankings.

A significant component of South Africa's preparations for international football, according to Mosimane's stance, is the quality of their opponents.

As Bafana Bafana continue their tour of the globe, fans will be keeping a careful eye on the squad to see whether the new approach helps them maintain their present position or moves them closer to the top 40 in the world.

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