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English-Congolese forward Leroy Lita joins Sunderland academy coaching staff after long playing career
Former Middlesbrough and Reading striker Leroy Lita has joined Sunderland’s academy coaching staff, marking the next step in his football journey.
Born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, the 40-year-old moved to England as a child and represented the country at youth level, earning nine England Under-21 caps.
His appointment adds valuable experience to Sunderland’s academy setup following their return to the Premier League.
Lita will work primarily with the club’s Professional Development Phase (PDP) players, focusing on their technical growth and professionalism both on and off the pitch.
“Leroy will primarily be working with the Club’s Professional Development Phase players, supporting their ongoing growth both on and off the pitch,” Sunderland confirmed in a statement.
This marks Lita’s first major coaching role after a remarkable 23-year playing career that spanned 24 clubs across England’s professional and non-league divisions.
He featured for Reading, Swansea City, and Middlesbrough, making over 65 Premier League appearances and more than 170 in the Championship.
Since leaving the top flight, he continued playing for clubs such as Ilkeston Town, Nuneaton Borough, and Hednesford Town, remaining active in the lower leagues until the 2024–25 season with Barwell FC.
Lita’s move into coaching highlights a growing push for greater representation of Black and minority coaches in English football.
His vast experience across different tiers of the game is seen as a valuable asset for Sunderland’s young prospects.
A product of Chelsea’s academy, Lita began his professional career at Bristol City before earning a high-profile move to Reading in 2005.
He later played key roles at Middlesbrough and Swansea, gaining a reputation for pace, instinctive finishing, and leadership.
If he translates those traits into coaching, Sunderland’s next generation could benefit immensely from a mentor who has seen every level of the game.
