The club announced today that the March 30 fixture against Manchester United has been designated ‘Nelson Mandela Day’ at the Stadium of Light.
Vice chairman, David Miliband: "There is no more iconic figure in the world today than Nelson Mandela.
"His values of equality, justice and reconciliation are the inspiration to millions and this partnership is a wonderful symbol for Sunderland in Africa and a huge honour for our football club.
"As a club which prides itself on its commitment to charitable work, to the community as a whole through our own Foundation of Light, and to the pursuit of excellence in all we do, we see tremendous potential in working with the Nelson Mandela Foundation."