Bafana Bafana are on the right track despite not reaching the final stages of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, said coach Gordon Igesund after his side's 4-1 victory against Botswana.
Bafana's World Cup dream seemed improbably alive, with Central African Republic taking an early lead against Ethiopia in Brazzaville, then holding them to 1-1 until Minyahile Teshome's 65th-minute winner for the Walia Antelopes.
That victory saw Ethiopia top Group A with 13 points, thus progressing to the final knockout round. South Africa finished second on 11 points.
Though to no avail, Bafana's efficient dispatch of the Zebras on Saturday, was another indication that the team is headed in the right direction, said Igesund.
They have won three of their last four qualifiers under Igesund, scoring nine goals to two, after starting with draws at home to Ethiopia and away against Botswana.
"I've actually got mixed feelings, because I'm absolutely thrilled with the progress the team is making and the players who are coming in. And we're scoring goals," the coach said.
"I take a look backwards and I don't think anyone's to blame for us not qualifying. It is just the ball didn't roll for us in the beginning.
"I've been involved for four games and we've won three of them - and that's what's hurting. But I think we've got lots of things to look forward to, going to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations and 2018 World Cup."
Igesund was pleased that his game plan was well executed, and had the desired results.
"I chose to put Thabo Matlaba in at left-back. Tsepo Masilela has been doing well but I know Matlaba has a lot of energy and can get up and down that left touchline," he said.
"And [Botswana right wing] Joel Mogorosi today, did anybody see him? We know he's a good player, but he spent the whole day playing at right back.
"[Deep striker Mogakolodi] Ngele, who I also thought was a good player, was totally out of the game, marked by Dean Furman and Kagisho Dikgacoi.
"These are the things that make me very happy. We went out and scored four goals. Before this game I said if we could score from 50% of the chances we create, I'd be happy. I think we did that."
Bafana meet Zimbabwe in a friendly at Orlando Stadium tomorrow and Igesund has retained his local-based players and Belgian-based goalkeeper Darren Keet for the game.
"My goalkeeper-coach, Alex Heredia, has put Keet through his paces ... and against Zimbabwe I'm going to see him first-hand."
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