Sunderland coach Matt Craddock has praised 16-year-old Kay Munyakazi after the 5-1 win against Nottingham Forest
Sunderland Under-21s boss Matt Craddock has praised 16-year-old Kay Munyakazi after the midfielder impressed during the Black Cats’ 5-1 win over Nottingham Forest at Eppleton Colliery Welfare.
Munyakazi was handed a start in midfield as Sunderland began their Premier League 2 campaign with an emphatic victory. The youngster grew into the contest after a nervy opening and showed both physical strength and quality in possession as Craddock’s side took control.
“He’s 16, he’s a young boy,” Craddock told The Echo. “He was really nervous before the game and you could tell in the first 10 minutes because he made about seven fouls. He was so excited to go on and put pressure on people. Once he calmed down and settled into the game, you could see that he does have the physical side of the game.
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“But you see quality as well. He picked up some really good pockets. He can receive, he can play forward, he can run beyond. I’m really pleased because he was nervous at the start. Once he settled in, he showed everyone what he’s capable of doing.”
Munyakazi was one of several academy players to impress as Sunderland recorded a comfortable victory. His involvement at under-21 level at 16 underlines the club’s willingness to expose younger players to a higher age group when staff believe they are ready. Craddock will now continue to manage Munyakazi’s development, with the midfielder still at an early stage of his academy career despite making an impression against older opposition.
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