South Africa moved up two spots to 47th on the latest world rankings and the Bafana skipper believes the progress will serve as inspiration for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Niger in September.
"For us the most important thing is that we are going up. We need to keep on working hard by winning our matches to realise our dream of conquering Africa," Tshabalala told the Sowetan.
"It is good that the rankings are released a week before we travel to Niger for a must-win game and this will inspire us."
Coach Pitso Mosimane was also pleased to see his side move closer to their target of breaking into Africa's top four, saying: "It is good that we are maintaining consistency in the rankings.
"We have also maintained our seventh position in Africa and this is key to our plan to finish in the top four bracket in Africa when the Afcon finals draw is conducted in October.
"I have made it clear that we want to win the three remaining matches and we have won the first against Burkina Faso. The plan is to maintain the winning rhythm against Niger and Sierra Leone and this will help us to be seeded when the Afcon finals draw is conducted.
"I must say that I'm encouraged by the latest developments with regard to the rankings."