Sunderland’s 16-year-old midfielder Kay Munyakazi strengthened his case for further under-21 opportunities by scoring against South Shields

Sunderland youngster Kay Munyakazi offered another glimpse of his potential by scoring during the academy’s pre-season draw against South Shields.

A mixed group of under-18 and under-21 players earned a 1-1 draw with the National League North side, with Munyakazi finding the net for the Black Cats.

His involvement alongside several older players was significant and suggests the 16-year-old could spend more time around Matt Craddock’s under-21 squad during the coming campaign. Munyakazi, who was born in England to Rwandan parents, has progressed through Sunderland’s academy system and primarily operates as a right-footed central midfielder.

He does not turn 17 until November but has already become accustomed to playing above his natural age group. Sunderland have regularly looked to promote their most promising academy players early, exposing them to older and more physically developed opposition rather than keeping them within rigid age-group boundaries.

Munyakazi was one of only two under-16 players selected for the under-21s’ pre-season trip to Italy last summer, which offered an early indication of how highly he was regarded within the Academy of Light. He could now travel to Spain with Craddock’s side this summer as preparations continue for the new Premier League 2 campaign.

Munyakazi made nine U18 Premier League appearances last season, playing 521 minutes, before receiving his first taste of football at the next level. The midfielder was named on the bench for Sunderland’s under-21 fixture against Leicester City and was introduced as a late substitute during a 3-2 victory.

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Munyakazi remains young enough to play regularly for Sunderland’s under-18 side, where consistent minutes will still be important for his development. His involvement against South Shields, however, suggests further under-21 opportunities could follow.

Craddock is expected to continue using a mixture of established under-21 players and the best emerging prospects from younger age groups. There remains a considerable distance between academy football and the senior Sunderland side, particularly for a player who is still only 16.

Munyakazi’s early promotion, his inclusion on last summer’s Italy trip and the possibility of travelling to Spain with the under-21s are nevertheless encouraging signs. His name may still be unfamiliar to many Sunderland supporters, but his progress through the age groups means that could begin to change this season.

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