Tanzania national teams spokesperson Haji Manara has called on Taifa Stars captain Mbwana Samatta to postpone his international retirement and lead the national team through the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Tanzania will co-host alongside Kenya and Uganda.
The appeal comes amid growing debate following Samatta’s recent announcement that he intends to step away from international football.
Football stakeholders across the country have urged the veteran striker to remain available for selection until after the continental tournament, widely regarded as the biggest sporting event ever to be staged in East Africa.
Speaking to journalists, Manara described Samatta as one of Tanzania’s most accomplished footballers, saying his leadership, experience and influence remain crucial as Taifa Stars prepare for the historic championship.
According to Manara, Samatta’s value extends beyond his performances on the pitch, with his presence providing inspiration and guidance to a new generation of players aiming to compete at the highest level.
“Samatta, we are asking you to stay with us until AFCON 2027. After the tournament, we can organise a fitting farewell match for you at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in recognition of your exceptional service to the nation,” Manara said.
He revealed that discussions are also underway on the possibility of temporarily retiring the iconic No. 10 jersey as a tribute to the striker’s contribution to Tanzanian football.
Manara said Samatta’s career stands as one of the most successful in the country’s football history. The former Taifa Stars captain won the CAF Champions League with TP Mazembe and went on to play professionally in some of Europe’s most competitive leagues, achievements that elevated the profile of Tanzanian football on the international stage.
He further noted that Samatta made history by becoming the first Tanzanian player to win the CAF African Player of the Year award for players based on the continent, a landmark achievement that inspired many young footballers to pursue careers beyond the country’s borders.
With Tanzania preparing to host AFCON 2027 for the first time, Manara said the tournament presents a unique opportunity for one of the nation’s greatest football icons to help lead the team on home soil before bringing an illustrious international career to a close.
For many football fans, Samatta’s continued presence in the Taifa Stars squad would not only strengthen the team’s ambitions at AFCON 2027 but also provide a fitting final chapter to a career that has helped redefine Tanzanian football.
