Captain of the Taifa Stars of Tanzania Mbwana Samatta has signed for Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce on loan from English Premier League side Aston Villa.
Samatta made the move to Aston Villa from Genk for £8.5million but after scoring twice in 16 appearances, and the arrival of Ollie Watkins and Burkina Faso international Bertrand Traore meant Samatta was surplus to requirements, hence his loan move to Fenerbahce.
Samatta’s loan deal could see him stay beyond the 2020-2021 season on a permanent move.
The Yellow Canaries made announced the signing of Samatta with a statement from the club.
“Our club has added Mbwana Samatta, captain of the Tanzania national team from Aston Villa, England, to their squad for four years,” a club statement read.
“This season, the player who will wear our shirt on loan will receive the testimonial at the end of the season. We welcome Samatta and wish him well in the striped jersey.”
The Tanzanian captain is pleased with himself for having the opportunity of playing in the English Premier League, and he hopes other Tanzanian footballers can do same.
“When I was starting my professional career, the ultimate goal I set myself was to play in England,” he said.
“But more than a goal achieved, coming here was, above all, the realisation of a dream. It’s a dream that a great many Tanzanian players pursue but one that had never been achieved before. I realise therefore how fortunate I am.
“It’s a source of great personal pride, but I hope it can serve to help others. If I can succeed, then other Tanzanians can too. And if I can help them believe in themselves, so much the better!”
Samatta might not make his debut when Fenerbahce take on league rivals Galatasaray this weekend, but he heads to Istanbul in search of first-team football eight months after his move to Aston Villa.
