He has "to laugh off" some of the attempts to pronounce his first name around the country not only during the ASB Premiership campaign but also in the winter league with Western Springs FC (Auckland) and his St Kentigerns College First XI outings.
"I've come across 'Chuckson', 'Siobhan' and 'Cheyenne' [US state and indigenous people of the state of Wyoming] so I just correct them to say it's pronounced 'Chosen'."
Jokes aside, Maukau is a razzle-dazzle merchant who is likely to again start off the bench against O-League campaigners tomorrow in the clash between first and second-placed sides in the premiership.
Asked to describe himself as a left winger, the teenager, who won a scholarship to the Auckland college from Gisborne, says: "Flair. I produce something out of nothing.
"Skilful. I'm energetic, Very naturally talented is what some people have commented.
"Electric. I bring a bit of spark to the park."
To those looking from outside at the Brett Angell and Paul Ifill-coached stable, he may come across as a peacock but the reality is Maukau is a breath of fresh air.
For someone so young, he has learned to temper his urge to spread his wings to soar to dizzying heights with a sound grounding under Angell.
Maukau has made five appearances for bay United, all off the bench, and three starting ones for the Bay franchise youth team, scoring two goals.
"I love the challenge. It's obviously hard being the youngest player with all the other more experienced players around me but I'll learn from them," he says, mindful he is a cog in the wheel and should he get a run tomorrow it's imperative to make a contribution to the collective grind.
Playing for Bay (18 points) against City (23 points) excites him, considering they have competed at two club world cups.
"It's down to Brett when the times right for me to come in," he says. "When I'm on I like to put a new twist and electricity with fresh legs and produce hopefully something."
Opening up defences with agility down the flank before putting crosses and shots across the goalmouth is his speciality.
Last summer's Wanderers Soccer Club player has had to come to terms with two contrasting philosophies under Angell and Western Springs coach Neil Emblen.
"It's more touches and dribbling [with Emblen] but here it's fewer touches and moving after passing the ball."
Needless to say Maukau accepts he's grown in embracing varied styles to broaden his horizon and marketability as a player.
"I'm a bit more intelligent now ... most of the time."
His mother, a social worker, "is my rock" and delighted he plays a game he only picked up in high school after losing the enjoyment as a rugby winger. His father, truck driver Thomas McPhee, "is a chilled guy" who says a quiet word or two.
Auckland are coming off a 1-0 win over Team Wellington on Thursday night in a catch-up game.
Defence, Maukau says, is the key to victory tomorrow as both sides can attack.
MATCH DETAILS
WHO: Hawke's Bay United v Auckland City.
WHEN: Tomorrow, 3pm kickoff.
WHERE: Park Island, Napier.
REFEREE: Anthony Riley.
AR1/AR2: Gareth Sheehan, Ash Davenport.
HAWKE'S BAY UTD: 1. Joshua Hill (GK), 2. Sean Liddicoat, 3. Kohei Matsumoto, 5. Harrison Nash, 7. Cory Chettleburgh (c), 8. Tom Biss, 10. Zane Sole, 11. Khair Jones, 12 Cheauxyan Maukau McPhee, 15. Samuel Mason-Smith, 16. Hamish Watson, 18 Martin Canales Ramos, 19. Birhanu Taye, 21. Fabien Kurimata, 23. Paul Ifill 25. Kyle Baxter (RGK).
Coach: Brett Angell.
Ast coach: Paul Ifill.
AUCKLAND CITY (possible): 2. Marko Dordevic, 3. Takuya Iwata, 4. Mario Bilen, 5. Angel Berlanga, 8. Michael Den Heijer, 9. Darren White, 10. Ryan de Vries, 11. Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi, 13. Alfie Rogers, 14. Clayton Lewis, 16. Daewook Kim, 17. JoaoMoreira, 19. Micah Lea'alafa, 20. Emiliano Tade, 22. Andrew Milne, 24. Diego Rivas (GK).
Coach: Ramon Tribulietx.
