Teenager Jephte Tanga knows he couldn’t be in a better place than Maidstone for his development.

Tanga is enjoying himself at the Gallagher Stadium on loan from League 1 club Leyton Orient.

The 19-year-old joined the Stones in January, initially for a month, but boss George Elokobi confirmed last week he was on board for the rest of the season.

That works for both parties, with Tanga learning all the time while carrying a big threat in attacking areas as Maidstone bid to secure a National League South play-off place.

“I’m delighted to be here,” he said. “I just want to keep playing, keep improving and keep getting better.

“I’m grateful for the gaffer giving me the opportunity.”

Tanga had to sit out Maidstone’s FA Cup exploits, having already played in the competition while on loan for Welling earlier this season.

That meant he was in and out of the side to start with but he’s been a fixture since the Stones’ Fifth-Round defeat at Coventry at the end of last month.

He scored his first goal in a 1-0 win at Dover and set up United’s next three goals in games against Bath and St Albans.

The youngster struck again at the weekend, grabbing the late clincher in a 2-0 win at Dartford.

“It was tough not being able to play in the FA Cup but the atmosphere was so good around the changing room,” he said.

“You still felt included. No one’s left out here, even the ones not playing.

“Everyone feels part of it and that’s down to the gaffer and Craig (Fagan, assistant manager) making players feel at home.

“The FA Cup slowed me down a bit but I’m back in the team now and I’m just happy to be here.

“I like to get in dangerous areas and create opportunities for my my team-mates to get on the end of. Put the ball in for the likes of Matt Rush and let them do the rest.

“It’s been good. I did the first half of the season at Welling and did pretty well there, then the gaffer brought me in here and just told me to come and enjoy it.

“It’s really important to be able to do that. I don’t just want to be training, I want to be playing games and developing as a player and I’m doing that here.”

Leyton Orient are keeping tabs on Tanga’s progress at the Gallagher and like what they see.

The youngster is hoping his work on loan could help open the door to a first-team opportunity at Brisbane Road.

“I’ve just got to wait for my chance,” he said. “My chance will come. I’ve got to keep playing and working hard.

“Orient’s a good club and they’re doing well. We’ll have to wait and see what happens.

“They’ve been watching how I’m doing and I’ve had good feedback.”