Rwandan football prodigy Kay Munyakazi has taken a significant step in his development after making his debut for Sunderland FC’s U21 side in the Premier League 2. The 16-year-old central midfielder featured as Sunderland edged Leicester City U21s 3–2 on Sunday, February 1, earning his first minutes at U21 level. The victory was notable given Sunderland’s current position of 21st in the league standings, compared to Leicester City U21’s seventh-place ranking. ALSO READ: Rwandan teenager Nteziryayo signs for CF Montréal first team According to U18 Premier League records, Munyakazi has made five league appearances this season. Prior to his promotion to the U21 squad, he had accumulated 114 minutes of playing time at U18 level. Born in England to Rwandan parents, Munyakazi is part of a growing wave of footballers with Rwandan roots breaking through elite development systems abroad. His rise mirrors that of Josh-Duc Nteziryayo, who recently signed a three-year contract with Major League Soccer side CF Montréal after impressing with the club’s academy. Munyakazi’s progression at Sunderland highlights the increasing presence of Rwandan-linked talent within top-tier football pathways, fueling optimism about the future of the national team. The Rwandan football governing body (FERWAFA) had previously invited the youngster to represent Rwanda at the 2025 CECAFA U17 Championship in Ethiopia, but he was unable to attend due to academic commitments.
