Tanzania: Premier League Nations
Continuing our alphabetical world tour, next up is Tanzania – the most recent nation to make their debut in the Premier League and one of the few positive stories to come out of 2020 so far.
There is currently no option to filter for Tanzanian players on the Premier League’s player stats page, but we believe that only one player has represented Tanzania in the Premier League.
First (and only) Player – Mbwana Samatta (Aston Villa; 2020-present)
After an injury to first-choice striker Wesley, struggling Villa turned to the transfer market in their search for the goals needed to avoid relegation last season. The Villans subsequently forked out £8.5m for the services of Mbwana Samatta of Genk.
A powerful striker with devastating aerial ability, Samatta immediately slotted into the side that reached the League Cup Final, before scoring on his Premier League debut against Bournemouth.
There are signs that Samatta is adapting to English football, not least a towering header that ultimately proved in vain in the League Cup Final.
Records
- Most appearances – Mbwana Samatta (4)
- First appearance – Mbwana Samatta (Bournemouth 2-1 ASTON VILLA, February 1st 2020)
- Most goals – Mbwana Samatta (1)
- First goal – Mbwana Samatta (Bournemouth 2-1 ASTON VILLA, February 1st 2020)
Elsewhere
Samatta remains the only current Tanzanian in the Premier League, though Adi Yussuf (Boreham Wood, on loan from Blackpool) also plays his club football in England.
Trivia
- Mbwana Samatta has started in every Aston Villa match since signing for the club.
- The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations was only Tanzania’s second-ever appearance in the tournament finals and their first for 39 years.