Tanzania captain Mbwana Samatta announces international retirement after 15 years of service
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 08.07.26. | 13:06
The 33-year-old forward, who currently plays for French Ligue 1 side Le Havre AC, confirmed his decision through an emotional statement
Tanzania national team captain Mbwana Samatta has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable chapter that saw him become one of the country’s greatest-ever footballers.
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The 33-year-old forward, who currently plays for French Ligue 1 side Le Havre AC, confirmed his decision through an emotional statement shared on his official Instagram account, saying the time had come to hand over the responsibility to a new generation of players.
Samatta said the decision followed deep reflection and expressed his pride in having represented Tanzania throughout his career.
“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 wrote.
The former Aston Villa striker thanked Tanzanians for their unwavering support, as well as the government and the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) for their role in making Taifa Stars a dream for many players.
“Thank you so much for the time we fought together through both the good moments and the lessons we learned,” he added.
Samatta, who served as Taifa Stars captain for nearly a decade, said his retirement from playing does not mark the end of his commitment to Tanzanian football.
“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,” he wrote.
He also pledged to continue contributing to the growth of Tanzanian football through other avenues where he can share his experience and knowledge.
During his time as Tanzania’s captain, Samatta played a key role in guiding Taifa Stars to three Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) appearances and helped the team reach the Round of 16 at the continental tournament, a historic achievement for the side.
He retires with more than 90 international caps and 22 goals, ranking among Tanzania’s leading all-time scorers.
Samatta’s football journey began in 2008 when he joined Tanzanian side African Lyon as a youth player before turning professional with Simba SC in 2010.
After a short spell at Simba, he moved to TP Mazembe, where he established himself as one of Africa’s most feared forwards.
The Tanzanian striker was instrumental in TP Mazembe’s successful 2015 CAF Champions League campaign, scoring seven goals and finishing as the tournament’s top scorer.
He netted in both legs of the final as Mazembe defeated USM Alger 4-1 on aggregate to lift the continental title.
His outstanding performances earned him the 2015 CAF African Player of the Year award for the best player based in Africa, making him the first Tanzanian to win the prestigious honour.
In January 2016, Samatta moved to Belgian side KRC Genk, where he enjoyed one of the finest spells of his career.
He helped Genk win the Belgian Pro League title in 2019 and finished the season as the league’s top scorer with 20 goals. His performances also earned him the Ebony Shoe award, recognising the best African player in Belgian football.
In January 2020, Samatta made history by joining Aston Villa, becoming the first Tanzanian footballer to play and score in the English Premier League.
His career later included spells with Fenerbahçe S.K., Royal Antwerp FC, and PAOK FC before his move to Le Havre.