Sunderland star Eliezer Mayenda shares rallying cry ahead of play-off semi-final, club are ‘in this together’

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Sunderland striker Eliezer Mayenda discusses the importance of the Black Cats faithful for the play-off semi-final clashes against Coventry City.

Sunderland will face Coventry City in the Championship play-offs semi-finals, with the first leg coming on Friday evening, in a double-header that will define the Black Cats’ season.

Regis Le Bris’ side topped the second tier table for several weeks in the opening exchanges, but drifted in the second portion of the campaign as others around them gained ground, condemning them to a fourth-place finish.

Having already secured a play-off place weeks ago, Sunderland have been in worrying form, losing their final five league matches on the spin, culminating in their 1-0 final-day defeat to managerless QPR.

With the Coventry visit looming, Sunderland forward Eliezer Mayenda has made it clear how important the Black Cats faithful will be for the semi-finals.

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Eliezer Mayenda issues rallying cry for Sunderland fans

Along with Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg, 19-year-old Mayenda has been one of many bright sparks at Sunderland this season.

In his first full campaign, the young forward has notched eight goals and five assists in 22 starts, tipped off with his stunning solo strike at Bristol City.

Reflecting on his breakout campaign, the Spaniard spoke of the importance of Le Bris, his teammates, and most importantly how crucial the diehard Black Cats faithful will be for the play-off clashes.

Mayenda told SAFC.com: “This season has been a really good one for me personally. I’ve made a strong contribution to the team, but it’s always been a collective effort.

“My teammates have helped me improve, and that’s come from hard work on the training pitch – it’s not just luck.

“I’m really happy with how the season has gone, and I’m excited for the challenge ahead as we head into the play-offs.

“The team spirit has been excellent all season, and that’s so important, especially at this stage.

“Everyone needs to stay focused, and that spirit will help us. We have to stay strong and stick together.

“The connection with the fans is massive. They show me love, and I always try to give 100% in every game. It’s a special relationship, and I love celebrating with them after a win.

“The Gaffer has been really important this season – not just for me, but for everyone in the team.

“He’s shown faith in me and helped us so much, both tactically and mentally.

“The goal for everyone is promotion. And to do that, we need everybody – the players, and especially the fans. We’re in this together.”

Mayenda’s telling admission of his own game and development this season has came to fruition for all Sunderland supporters to see, with many hoping he starts at the CBS Arena on Friday night.

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Eliezer Mayenda’s development at Sunderland has been staggering

Mayenda has enjoyed a remarkable individual rise this season, from registering zero goal contributions in 12 appearances at both Sunderland and Hibernian on-loan, to becoming one of the most prolific young forwards in the second tier.

Sunderland ace Mayenda also added: “I feel more comfortable in the team now. I’ve played a lot more than I did last season, and the more you play, the more you can show your qualities.

“Every training session, I’ve tried to improve – I’ve worked on my finishing and everything else I can develop.

Given Wilson Isidor’s goal drought since his Elland Road strike in February, Le Bris may give Mayenda the nod from the start, with the youngster’s confidence brimming buoyed by his impressive campaign.