Ratshukudu proves he belongs with mature display
Mqondisi Dube | Friday October 2, 2026 10:46
The Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi in Rades will not forget the name Losika Ratshukudu in a hurry. The 20-year-old, making only his second appearance for the Zebras on Monday, left an indelible mark on the 60,000-seater with a composed and calculated display that offered a glimpse into the national team’s promising future.
Brought on in the 54th minute for goalscorer, Thatayaone Kgamanyane, the talented forward immediately asserted his authority on the game.
A burst of pace here, a neat dribble there, and a display of nimble footwork provided the calming influence Zebras fans craved as the national side chased an equaliser.
Ratshukudu, who made his debut against Benin at the Africa Cup of Nations finals on December 27, began to dictate the tempo, operating more like a midfielder than an advanced forward as Tunisia took the game by the scruff of the neck.
In December, he became the youngest player, at 19, to make his Zebras debut. He also became the first product of South Africa’s Ubuntu Football Academy to represent a senior national team.
“A very good performance. He drove us forward and won a lot of free kicks for us, which really helped us progress the ball. You can see he is playing in a better league and developing quite well,” interim Zebras coac, Thaloba ‘Machine’ Nthaga, said of Ratshukudu’s display.
The youngster was equally pleased with his contribution and the team’s performance.
“I felt we had a really good game. We understood that we had played our last game a few days back and wanted to manage the legs and fight away from home as a unit. I think we did exactly that and came out with another point from a really difficult game,” Ratshukudu told MmegiSport from Tunisia.
“I was calm when I came on because the instruction was clear: help us have a breather when we clear the ball. I think I did well and helped the team get the very important point away from home,” he added.
But for Ratshukudu, his performance against Tunisia was more than a 36-minute cameo; it was a statement of his rapid progress and growing maturity.
The 20-year-old currently turns out for NK Slaven Belupo in Croatia and has already featured in five matches, including an appearance against powerhouse Dinamo Zagreb.
His rise has been swift, having spent time in South Africa with Ubuntu Football Academy in the ABC Motsepe League, the third tier of South African football.
He moved to Croatia in January, made his top-flight debut in May and immediately attracted rave reviews after helping Slaven Belupo secure their first victory in 10 matches.
His football journey, however, started much closer to home, in the streets of Ramotswa, where he played with friends.
“I think the love for the game really began from there. I would say sport is in my blood because my dad played football and my brother still plays. They both helped me reach really high heights and improve my football, and they have always been in my corner,” he said.
Ratshukudu attended Seboko Primary School in Ramotswa before moving to Raserura Primary School, now Dow Academy, in Mochudi.
He later attended Bakgatle before returning to Dow Academy, whilst his final two years of schooling were spent in South Africa at Ubuntu Football School, where he completed his matric.
His football education included a spell with J4K in Maruapula, followed by a short stint at Masitakoa, before he moved to Ubuntu Football Academy in Cape Town.
From there, the path led to Croatia and Slaven Belupo, where he is now enjoying life in Central Europe.
“It was difficult at the beginning, but now I have adapted and gotten used to it. Life in Croatia is really good. I have adapted really well over these last few months, and I have started building momentum at the beginning of this season. I need to keep going and improving as much as possible. I hope to see myself still playing in Europe and growing as a player,” he said.
Ratshukudu is comfortable across the attacking line, capable of playing as a left or right winger, striker, or as a number 10.
Former Zebras coach, Morena Ramoreboli, gave Ratshukudu his first taste of senior international football when he included him in the squad for last year’s AFCON finals.
“When I included him in the AFCON finals squad, I felt that his development was different and he was getting the competition he needed playing in the ABC Motsepe League in Cape Town.
“I remember watching him win the Bayhill Under-19 tournament with Ubuntu. Those were things that told me that the boy has something, the boy has potential,” said Ramoreboli, who is now Bafana Bafana’s assistant coach.
“To be honest with you, this is their period. Many young players who are the same age as Ratshukudu deserve to be given the opportunity to play, and we start believing that we are headed in the right direction.
“I am happy that he has not disappointed. He is disciplined and one boy who is humble. I am happy that he keeps on doing well. He needed the opportunity, and he grabbed it.”
Full name: Losika Ratshukudu
Date of birth: February 1, 2006
Place of birth: Ramotswa
Previous teams: J4K, Masitaoka, Ubuntu Football Academy (South Africa)
Current team: NK Slaven Belupo (Croatia)
Position: Winger
Hobbies: Gaming