Tanzania long serving captain Mbwana Samatta was left disappointed by his side’s failure to beat Uganda but remained positive about the draw.
In an extensive interview with Kawowo Sports, the French Ligue 1 player spoke about the East African derby in detail, how this could possibly be his last Afcon and what has made him achieve the title of one of the greatest players from the region.
On the dressing room reaction after the game
“After the game, the dressing room was quiet because from the beginning and how the game was progressing, to the end, we were almost sure we were going to win the game.
Much as you say you were unlucky, we could have all the points today. Last shot if it goes in, three points in the bag but positively, we take a point because we could also lose a point the other side so we will positively take a point.
On how important his experience is to the team
“My generation is surely past. This was their (young players) Afcon because we had to do more in our time so we are here to guide them through it because we have an Afcon coming home in East Africa. So, I am here as the experienced player handing over the stick to next generation hoping in 2027, they can do an amazing job.”
His last Afcon?
“Possibly, this is my last Afcon because I don’t see myself being there for another Afcon and I don’t see how useful I can be. But maybe when the coach sees something beyond just playing that I can offer.”
On why he has achieved so much in his career
“Discipline. And I always say that. I don’t see myself as a fantastic player like Messi or Neymar. I am just a good player with discipline, takes good care of myself and want to achieve. My goals were even higher than what I have achieved right now but am grateful for that.”
A brief profile of Samatta
Born 33 years ago, Samatta started his career with African Lyon before he moved to Simba and later TP Mazembe where he won the Caf Champions League in 2015, won the golden boot in the competition as well and also voted the CAF interclub player of the year and named in the CAF Best XI.
He also won several league and cup titles in the DR Congo before he earned to RC Genk in Belgium.
There, he won the Belgian league and Super Cup and earned a move to the English Premier League joining Aston Villa in 2020.
He has also played in Greece, Turkey and now features for Le Havre in France.
He has scored 22 goals in over 87 appearances for the Taifa Stars.