Yanga SC spokesperson Ali Kamwe has called on Mbwana Samatta to reconsider his decision to retire from international football and return to represent Taifa Stars at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), saying the striker deserves the opportunity to say goodbye on the pitch in front of the fans.
Kamwe said Samatta’s contribution to Tanzanian football deserves to be recognised with great respect, stressing that the player should not be limited to receiving a farewell through social media.
“For what he has done for this country, he is not a player who should be bid farewell on Instagram,” Kamwe said.
Samatta announced his retirement from Taifa Stars on July 7, 2026, after representing the national team for around 15 years, saying it was time to give the next generation an opportunity to take the team forward. He served as Taifa Stars captain for approximately 10 years and helped Tanzania qualify for the AFCON finals on three occasions.
However, there is currently no new statement from Samatta confirming that he has changed his decision following the call. TFF previously said it would meet with Samatta to hear the reasons behind his decision, while other football stakeholders have also called on him to continue representing Taifa Stars through AFCON 2027.
