Eliezer Mayenda has had to make the most of his chances in a Sunderland shirt this season, but he’s surely earned the adoration of the Black Cats’ fanbase in recent weeks.
With Wilson Isidor the main man in attack and Regis Le Bris often preferring a 4-5-1 formation, there hasn’t always been an opportunity for Eliezer Mayenda to start games this season.
Le Bris has even described the impact substitute role as the ‘perfect’ fit for Mayenda, which is not necessarily what players want to hear.
But, the Sunderland man’s recent actions have been praised by a former player, and it could be the kind of thing to put any concerns over Mayenda’s future to bed.
Eliezer Mayenda loves the Sunderland supporters
Mayenda has been tipped for a big future in the game after his recent brace against Sheffield Wednesday. However, it was his celebration at Hillsborough, where he dived into the travelling supporters’ section, that has caught the eye.
Discussing that celebration, Mayenda said: “Yeah, it’s for the supporters. The first game I did that was against Derby County. I don’t know how to explain it but it’s just natural. I like the connection with the supporters and the Sunderland supporters are the best in the Championship.
“It’s a little bit funny. It’s very important for me to feel the love from the supporters. I’m very happy to play for Sunderland. I’m a very cold guy, sometimes people say that. I can show my emotion like this.”
The celebration may have caused a stir at the stadium, especially for the security and stewards on the night, but former Sunderland man Darren Williams loved what he saw and what Mayenda has said, even comparing him to the kind of Sunderland legends we saw back in the days of Peter Reid’s management.
Williams told Total Sport: “I think it’s great. It’s giving something back to the fans. For years, we weren’t connected with the fans. It’s getting back to the Peter Reid era when the players were all together with the fans and the interaction was brilliant.”
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Eliezer Mayenda is a wanted man
These comments from Mayenda about his connection to the Mackems will come as a big relief, considering he has recently become the subject of attention from elsewhere.
It is thought Mayenda is wanted by Premier League clubs after his breakthrough campaign at the Stadium of Light this season.
| Statistics | Eliezer Mayenda (2024/25) |
| Appearances | 28 |
| Minutes | 1,652 |
| Goals | 6 |
| Assists | 5 |
| xG | 7.6 |
He is now one of many Sunderland stars who could be at risk of being poached in the summer, particularly if the Black Cats fail to make it out of the Championship this season.
The likes of Chris Rigg and Jobe Bellingham are being watched closely, but the Mayenda news comes as a bit of a surprise, considering he’s not been linked with other clubs before.
But, we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. For now, Sunderland fans can take delight in Mayenda’s goals, celebrations, and the fact he is in line to earn an international call-up, too.