Tanzania captain Mbwana Samatta hangs up international boots after more than 10 years

In a message posted on social media, Samatta thanked Tanzanians for the support they gave him throughout his time with Taifa Stars, expressing pride in representing the country wherever he went in the world.

The 33-year-old further said that he believes it is time for new talents to be given the opportunity to take Taifa Stars to greater heights.

He also thanked the government of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) for ensuring the national team has become the aspiration and dream of every player.

Through his Instagram page, Samatta stated he reached this decision after deep reflection, expressing pride in having had the opportunity to serve Tanzania and wear the national jersey throughout that time.

‘I cherished every moment’

“Thank you so much for the time we fought together—through both the good moments and the lessons we learned.

“I have taken pride in my Tanzanian identity wherever in the world I was privileged to go. I cherished every moment I had the opportunity to wear the national team jersey. I did my very best to bring you joy.”

Samatta noted that everything has a beginning and an end; thus, this marks the conclusion of his journey as a Taifa Stars player, though not the end of his love and support for the team.

The former Aston Villa forward pledged to continue contributing to the development of Tanzanian football through other avenues that will allow him to utilize his experience and abilities for the benefit of Taifa Stars.

“This is the end of my time as a player on the pitch, but not the end of my love and support for the Tanzania national team. We will meet in the stands to support our soldiers,” offered Samatta.

During his ten years as captain of Taifa Stars, the forward—who plays for the French club Le Havre—led the team to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) three times and made history by reaching the tournament’s Round of 16.

Samatta scooped Africa best player

Samatta began his career as a youth player for Tanzanian club African Lyon in 2008. He turned professional in 2010 with Simba Sports Club, where he played for only half of the season before moving to TP Mazembe, spending a total of five years with them.

He was the key figure during TP Mazembe’s run to the final of the 2015 CAF Champions League, scoring seven goals in the process and finishing as the competition’s top scorer.

In their group stage match against Moghreb Tetouan, Samatta scored a memorable hat-trick to secure a place in the semi-finals where they were drawn against Sudanese side Al-Merrikh SC.

Mazembe would go on to lift the Cup after defeating Algerian side USM Alger in the final 4-1 on aggregate, with Samatta scoring a goal in both legs.

He was named the 2015 African based Player of the Year and finished the season as the top goalscorer of the CAF Champions League, as he helped TP Mazembe to win the title.

Samatta garnered a total of 127 points, ahead of his TP Mazembe teammate and DR Congo goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba, who amassed 88 points, and Algerian Baghdad Bounedjah trailed in third place with 63 points.

In January 2016, Samatta signed for Belgian side Genk, helping them to qualify for the UEFA Europa League and win the Belgian Pro League in 2019.

His twenty-goal tally saw him finish the season as the top scorer of the league; he also won the Ebony Shoe award in Belgium for his outstanding season with Genk.

In January 2020, Samatta moved to Aston Villa, becoming the first (and only) Tanzanian player to both play and score in the Premier League.