Two draws and a defeat in the group stages of the Africa Cup of Nations may not sound like a springboard for success at the 2010 World Cup.
But South Africa's Brazilian coach Carlos Alberto Perreira is happy with the progress of the 2010 hosts.
It is at least an improvement on their record at the last Cup of Nations in 2006, where South Africa left without a point or a goal.
Parreira insists the squad he took to Ghana was largely experimental.
"We brought a young team here exactly to get the experience to build a team that will in two years time represent South Africa in the best possible way," Parreira said.
"We are in a process of learning, we brought a young team here.
"In this building process you pay a price, you don't expect a wonderful performance.
"So that's why we are satisfied so far but of course for the World Cup we will need to improve much more than we played here, that is very clear "
If the three games in Ghana provided Parreira coach with answers about the abilities of certain players then the Cup of Nations proved its worth.
And there were signs of promise in South Africa's performances.
But the bottom line is that South Africa have exited the Cup of Nations at the group stage for the third consecutive tournament.
Parreira has little more than two years to create a side which will not be embarrassed when the world's elite football nations converge on South Africa.
Nobody expects him to mould a team capable of winning world football's showpiece tournament, but the football-mad fans in South Africa will expect one that is competitive and dangerous.
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