By Justine Nakabuga Kepa
Mbwana Samatta has officially announced his retirement from the Tanzania national football team (Taifa Stars), ending an international career that spanned nearly 15 years.
In a statement shared on July 7, 2026, Samatta said the decision followed careful consideration and that the time had come to allow a new generation of players to lead the team forward. He reflected with pride on representing Tanzania for almost 15 years and serving as captain for the last 10.
Some of the highlights of his international career include:
87 appearances and 22 goals for Taifa Stars.Captaining Tanzania for a decade.
Helping Tanzania qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, ending the country’s 39-year absence from the tournament since 1980.
Leading Tanzania to qualify for the AFCON finals three times and helping the team reach the knockout stage (last 16) for the first time.
Samatta made his international debut in 2011. His first goal came on March 26, 2011, against the Central African Republic national football team in an AFCON qualifier at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. Interestingly, his 22nd and final international goal also came against the same opponent at the same stadium in a friendly match on March 23, 2022.Away from the national team, Samatta has enjoyed one of the most accomplished club careers by a Tanzanian footballer.
He started at Simba SC before rising to prominence with TP Mazembe, where he won the CAF Champions League and became the first Tanzanian player to lift the continental title.
In 2015, he also became the first Tanzanian to win the CAF African Player of the Year award. He later starred for KRC Genk, helping the club win the Belgian league title before making history in January 2020 as the first Tanzanian to play in the Premier League after joining Aston Villa F.C..
His European career has also included spells with Fenerbahçe S.K., Royal Antwerp F.C., PAOK F.C., and Le Havre AC.
Samatta leaves the national team as one of Tanzania’s most influential footballers, remembered for his leadership, goals, and role in elevating Tanzanian football on the continental and international stage.
