As confirmed by the club earlier this afternoon, Rael Nakuzola has signed his first professional contract with 1. FSV Mainz 05.
The 19-year-old initially joined Mainz's U-23 team, their top youth development squad, from Rot-Weiss Essen in the summer.
“Rael seized his opportunity to impress during preseason with great commitment and courage,” said sporting director Niko Bungert.
"We are now rewarding his development after his initial move from Rot-Weiss Essen to our U23 team with a professional contract.
“We are convinced that Rael, with his attitude and footballing abilities, is ready to earn further appearances in the Bundesliga,” he added.
Having made two short cameos off the bench against Hamburger SV and Eintracht Frankfurt, signing a new deal means a lot to Nakuzola.
"I am extremely proud and happy to have signed my first professional contract with Mainz 05. It all happened relatively quickly.
"I can learn a great deal here every day. My goal must be to keep improving and to get as much playing time as possible.
“I thank the Mainz management for their great confidence in me and I am very much looking forward to the challenges ahead,” he finished.