Tanzanian striker Mbwana Samatta says it has always been his dream to come to England and play in the English Premier League.

Samatta narrates how he took the chance when Villa came asking for his services while in Belgium. The Tanzanian International has scored 2 goals in 6 appearances and says he has not found it hard to adapt to his new surroundings.

“First of all, it was my dream to come to the Premier League and when Villa showed up, I think I could not say no. They gave me the chance and I love Villa because I wanted to be here,” Samatta told Villa TV.

“There is no big difference but where I was in Belgium, I was in a small city but here Birmingham is a bigger city. But I think there is no big difference.

“The Villa fans are amazing sometimes when you come to a club and you are a new player, supporters would wait a little bit to know who you are and what you can do to the club before they start supporting you.

“But immediately when I came and before I even touched the ball, they were singing my name and I was like ‘wow these guys are going to give me boost so that I can try and win the game for them’.

“When fans support you, I think it is everything for me. You can’t make them go home heads down and so I always want to fight hard and win the game for them.”

Samatta adds that he was greatly inspired by Ivorian Icon Didier Drogba and Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

 “I watched so many players and I felt like I wanted to be like them. But let me go with [Didier] Drogba even though inspiring players were so many. He was doing well at Chelsea where he became a champion a few times as well as scoring many goals,” Samatta said.

“He helped Chelsea became Champions League winner.

“[Cristiano] Ronaldo is the sporting icon that has influenced me the most. I love how he works hard and is always fighting for the team to win.”

The Taifa Stars striker has settled in well with his fellow teammates since joining from Genk but points out Marvelous Nakamba as one of his closest friends at the club.

“I have a few friends but I will go with [Marvelous] Nakamba. He is a guy who we meet outside the pitch a lot. He is a cool guy and also he is coming from Zimbabwe and I am coming from Tanzania,” he said.

“When we talk about the culture and struggle of our countries it is all the same. He is a good guy, quiet and I am quiet as well. He is always positive too.”

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer