Banyana Banyana has moved up five positions to 56th place on the latest world rankings released by world football controlling body, FIFA, on Thursday, 16 August 2012.

Following their recent campaign at the London Olympics at which they held World Cup champions Japan to a goal-less draw, the attention has now moved to the Sasol-sponsored national senior women team's preparations for the 8-nation African Women Championship 2012 to be held in Equatorial Guinea, starting on October 28.

In congratulating the Banyana Banyana team on their rise on the FIFA world rankings, Safa President Kirsten Nematandani said: "Banyana Banyana's participation at their first Olympics, and improved world rankings can be put down to the committed efforts of the players and technical team members, as well as the loyal support given to Safa on this project by team sponsor Sasol and Sport and Recreation SA. Also, thanks must go to SASCOC for the assistance provided during the Olympic campaign."

"We look forward to witnessing Banyana Banyana bringing even more pride to our Rainbow Nation when they compete against the continent's top women's football nations at the CAF African Women Championship 2012," added Nematandani.