28 January 2020 – Promising young midfielder Kgaogelo Chauke has put pen to paper on his first professional contract at English Premier league club Southampton.
A few days after celebrating his 17th birthday earlier this month the highly-rated teenager has now signed a deal that runs until June 2022.
Having progressed through the academy ranks following his 2017 switch from Thatcham Town, Chauke has impressed both at U18 and U23 levels this season, including an appearance against Coventry City in the EFL Trophy.
Speaking about his time on the South Coast, and aims for the future, the 17-year-old said:
“I’m really proud because I’ve been working for this moment so I’m pleased to see the work paying off. It’s special because growing up I’ve had a lot of help from my family, and being able to share this with them is a proud moment. In the back of my mind I knew that if I put in the right work, this moment was achievable.”
Chauke spoke of his strength at the club saying:
“My main attribute is hard work because without that then this process wouldn’t be possible. Being at this club everything is put towards development on the pitch even in education, everything has come together on the pitch to help me perform.”
Southampton Academy Director Matt Hale has hailed Chauke for his hard work saying:
“Kegs has shown tremendous progress since joining from his U15 season. He has learnt so much and showed a real curiosity to develop. He has strong listening skills, an acceptance to take on information and apply his learning really well in games.
“The coaches enjoy working with him and I’m looking forward to watching him develop further over the new few years.”
Chauke has South African parents and has shown strong interest to represent South Africa in future.