South African U23 midfielder Kgaogelo Chauke has completed a move from Southampton to League One side Burton Albion.
The 20-year-old, who made his debut for SA’s U23 in the recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Congo, came through the ranks of Southampton after leaving South Africa with his parents when he was just one year old.
He made his debut for the former Premier League side in a 2-0 win over Shrewsbury in the FA Cup in 2021, but had been on loan at Exeter in the 2022/23 season, featuring in 26 game sin all competitions.
After his contract with Southampton expired, he now completed a free transfer to Burton, where he signed a two-year contract, and received high praise from his new coach.
“He’s someone we have chased for a while as he’s a real talent. He’s a dynamic midfielder who is technically very good. We are lucky to have him as we have beaten off some competition from some top clubs in League One,” coach Dino Maamria told Burton’s media team.
“He decided to come to us because he knows we develop young players and make them better. He will give us energy and quality on the ball as well.
“We took Mark Helm in January and you can see how much he has improved and Kegs is in the same mould.
“There’s no doubt about it that he will be playing at Championship level in a few years.”
Chauke himself sees the club as good next step in his career after failing to make the breakthrough at Southampton.
“I’m glad to be here and to have gotten the deal finally over the line,” he added.
“I think this is a good step for me and I want to show the fans and the manager that I can do well for this club.
“With the way the club is run it’s going to be a good place to settle in and hopefully kick on.”
