“I’m Excited,” Says Samatta, the First Tanzanian in English Premier League

Mbwana Ally Samatta can’t hide his delight after becoming the first Tanzanian in history to sign in the English Premier League.

The 25-year-old moved to Aston Villa from Genk of the Belgian First Division A having passed a medical.

“I’m so excited – it’s a huge day for me in my career and for all the people in Tanzania, this is a big day for the country everybody is so on it! They were looking and waiting for when a Tanzanian guy would play in the Premier League and I’m here today – so happy,” he said.

Samatta was initially reported to be close to moving to either Southampton, the French Ligue1 or the Turkish Super Lig amid Besiktas’ interest.

However, Aston Villa ended up securing his services to help them in their crusade to retain their Premier league statue at the first time of asking.

Football is a religiously followed sport in Tanzania and that interest is expected to soar now that one of their own will be coming up against the likes of Manchester United, City, Liverpool, Everton or Arsenal.