Hugo Broos, head coach of Bafana Bafana, has detailed his young team's improvement following a promising start to his job.
At the halfway point of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifications, they are top of Group G, with two home games remaining against Ethiopia and Zimbabwe. Before departing for Ghana, Bafana will have control over their destiny.
Broos' expertise and cleverness have played a role in a team that is refreshingly young.
"We started here one month ago during the first camp and when you see the steps that we've made it's down to the excellent work by the players," Broos said.
"I can only ask certain things of my players and hand out instructions but in the end, it's the players who go out and perform.
"At first in the game against Zimbabwe we were hesitant and you saw a team that was lacking confidence.
"Then you saw three days later against Ghana a team with improved confidence playing good football and now a few days ago you saw a team that fights.
"So, we've made big steps in a short period of time."
Broos said that, while he was pleased, he expected more from his youthful Bafana Bafana team.
"I think the players try to carry out instructions and while they perform it sometimes better than other times, their attempting to do it is the most important.
"When comparing it to the first days a month ago, the behaviour of the players gives me confidence for the future."