We're loading the complete profile of this person of interest including their biography, achievements, and contributions.


Captain, Taifa Stars / Pro Footballer
Public Views
Experience
Documented career positions
Mbwana Ally Samatta (born 1992) is a Tanzanian professional footballer and the long-serving captain of the Tanzania national team (Taifa Stars). He is the most successful footballer in Tanzanian history. Samatta gained continental fame with TP Mazembe (DRC), winning the CAF Champions League, before making a historic move to Europe to join KRC Genk in Belgium, where he won the Belgian Golden Shoe. In January 2020, Samatta made history by signing for Aston Villa, becoming the first Tanzanian player to feature and score in the English Premier League. Although his stint in England was brief, his legacy as a trailblazer was cemented. He currently plies his trade for PAOK in Greece. Known for his aerial prowess, finishing ability, and immense humility, Samatta is a national hero and the ultimate role model for young East African athletes.
First Tanzanian to play and score in the English Premier League (for Aston Villa against Bournemouth)
Won the CAF African Inter-Club Player of the Year award (2015) while playing for TP Mazembe
Won the Belgian First Division A and the Ebony Shoe award with KRC Genk (2019)
Faced minor criticism from demanding Tanzanian fans for a perceived drop in goal-scoring form for the national team during the 2023/2024 AFCON qualifiers, despite his immense overall contribution
His brief stint at Aston Villa was scrutinized by British media, leading to loan spells at Fenerbahçe and Royal Antwerp as he struggled to secure regular playing time in the highly physical Premier League
Captained the Taifa Stars to multiple Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifications, ending decades of absence
Won the Greek Super League with PAOK (2024)