Kenyans have taken to social media to claim that Taifa Stars captain is Kenyan and not Tanzanian after the forward sealed a move to English Premier League side, Aston Villa on Monday.
Samatta, 27 joined the Villains from Belgian side, Genk to continue the meteoric rise that saw him play for Simba in Tanzania, TP Mazembe in DR Congo before moving to Genk where he drew the attention of several clubs across Europe before he moved to Villa Park.
Samatta became the first Tanzanian to play in the EPL. Where joins Victor Wanyama from Kenya who turns out for Tottenham Hotspurs although the Harambee Stars captain has been linked with a move from the North London club.
As expected news of Samattaโs move has been celebrated across Tanzania. The Taifa Stars skipper is a celebrated national hero. Tanzanians have taken to social media to pledge support for Aston Villa after they signed one of their own.
But as expected, Kenyaโs vibrant social media community was not left behind in congratulating Samatta for becoming the second East African player in the English Premier League this season.
They went a notch hire to claim that the forward isnโt Tanzanian as he was born in Kenya. In reality, he striker was born in Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania where he began his football career.
Here is a sample of tweets from Kenyans.
Kwani huyu Mbwana Samatta ni wa #Nani..?? ๐ค๐คAty first Tanzanian ๐น๐ฟ to join premier league and Another Kenyan ๐ฐ๐ช added on the list… Need explanations on this. #KaribuSamatta
— @brian (@brian1619kim) January 21, 2020
BREAKING NEWS: TANZANIAN-BORN KENYAN FOOTBALLER MBWANA SAMATTA HAS BEEN SIGNED BY ASTON VILLA!! KENYAN PLAYERS ARE FILLING EPL SOON!! WE ARE PROUD BRO!! pic.twitter.com/dutLiaLltD
— 2mbili (@2MBILIMFALME) January 21, 2020
Kenyan by birth Mbwana Samatta signs for @AVFCOfficial never been prouder to be Kenyan ๐ฐ๐ช๐ฐ๐ช๐ฐ๐ช๐ฐ๐ช pic.twitter.com/h35McUExcU
— Local Man ๐ฐ๐ช (@kenwes32) January 21, 2020
Tanzanians are obsessed with our very own Mbwana Samatta.
— Dextrous. (@mainneli_) January 21, 2020
Kenyan International foward Mbwana Samatta signs a 4ยฝ yr deal with English side Aston Villa.๐ฐ๐ช pic.twitter.com/MiyV5N5rKm
— MN. (@_mainanjoki) January 20, 2020
Mbwana Samatta will be the third Kenyan to play in EPL after Origi and Victor Wanyama. Tanzanians, YOU HAVE NO ENGLISH TO ARGUE. pic.twitter.com/SCxRQ6ii66
— Osward ๐๐น๐ฟ (@iamosward) January 17, 2020
https://twitter.com/Kenyan_Football/status/1219507391114379265?s=20
Harambee Stars forward Mbwana Samatta has signed for Aston Villa #KenyansInEPL
— aleckie ronald (@SirAlexas) January 21, 2020
Kenya is a blessed country. Our Mbwana Samatta now on the Premier League @AVFCOfficial. Tanzanians are now jealous of Kenyans. Aston Villa here we come. #KaribuSamatta pic.twitter.com/l1cCyAXJIr
— Mjengo Specialist (@JoeKisii) January 21, 2020