On transfer deadline day, Sunderland striker Eliezer Mayenda completed a loan move to Scottish Premiership side Hibernian, aiming to gain valuable experience and contribute to the team’s success during his time at Easter Road.
Despite facing challenges at the onset of his Sunderland career, Mayenda remains optimistic about making a positive impact at Hibernian. The 18-year-old forward, who joined Sunderland from French club Sochaux over the summer on a five-year contract, encountered setbacks due to a hamstring injury sustained during pre-season.
Consequently, Mayenda had to wait until November to make his debut appearance in the Championship and only started one league game for Sunderland before embarking on his loan spell with Hibernian.
“I am happy here, happy to have made the move, and I am looking forward to enjoying my football,” Mayenda told the Edinburgh Evening News. “I found out about the interest from Hibs on the last day of the transfer window and it sounded like a good option.
“I had been going to the academy at Sunderland, working hard and trying to help the team. But I was happy to sign the loan contract to come here. The gaffer here has told me that the most important thing is just to work every day. He knows I am young and still developing as a footballer, so I have to work and work every time I am on the training pitch or in the gym.
“When I play, he said the most important thing is to help the team. To do what the team needs. So I can play as a striker, a real number nine. But I can also play as a winger. The gaffer will decide that for me.”