18-year-old Tanzanian joins Genk after Samatta’s recommendation

Tanzanian teenage sensation Kelvin John has sealed a dream move to Belgian outfit KRC Genk from English academy Brooke House after a recommendation from their former forward Mbwana Samatta.

The striker has impressed Tanzania junior sides after featuring in the 2019 African Cup of Nations Under 17 tourney where he scored a goal in the nine-goal thriller against Nigeria. 

Taifa Stars skipper Samatta who spent four years at Genk before sealing the much-publicised move to Engish Premier League side Aston Villa back in 2020 put in a good word for John that led to his signing.

“Kelvin John is considered a great talent, is physically strong and fast. With the youth selections of Tanzania, he impressed at every major tournament. It earned him the nickname 'the Tanzanian Mbappé',”

“He was only 15 and already shone in the Africa Cup U17 and as a barely 16-year-old was in the preselection for AFCON. Kelvin was tipped off to the club by Samatta a few years ago,” read a statement from Genk.

John took to Instagram to thank Samatta after sealing his move to Genk as he is set to be integrated into the first team by head coach John van den Brom.

“I thank God so much, it is more than a dream to join Genk. I want to thank everyone who has helped me get to this level. Thank you Samatta for everything,” wrote John.

The talisman who is in the books of ICM Steller Agency that boasts high profile youngsters such as Mason Mount, Eduardo Camavinga, Sergiño Dest and Jérémy Doku signed a four year deal with Genk.

The four-time Belgian champions have tracked the youngster for a while but had to wait till his 18th birthday to hand him a professional contract in Europe. 

John made the provisional squad of Tanzania for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations before the then head coach Emmanuel Amunike dropped him.