Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian striker, Mbwana Ally Samatta, has written a new chapter in the history of Tanzanian football by becoming the first-ever player from the country to sign for a club in the French Ligue 1, joining Le Havre AC on a one-year deal.
The club confirmed the signing on August 5, 2025, marking a significant milestone for both the player and the nation.
The 32-year-old forward joins Le Havre as a free agent after parting ways with Greek side PAOK Thessaloniki, where he spent the last season.
The French top-flight side has been looking to bolster its attacking department and identified Samatta as a perfect fit, given his vast experience across Europe.
Samatta’s deal with Le Havre runs until June 2026, and according to reputable football database Transfermarkt, he is currently valued at around €900,000.
The Tanzanian captain brings not just his physical presence but also leadership and experience gained from several high-profile European clubs.
The move means Samatta becomes the first Tanzanian player to play in Ligue 1, following previous landmark moments in his career such as being the first Tanzanian to play and score in the English Premier League with Aston Villa in 2020.
He also featured in the Carabao Cup final that same season against Manchester City at Wembley.
Before his stint in England, Samatta had made headlines in Belgium, playing for KRC Genk, where he won the Golden Boot as top scorer in the Belgian Pro League and scooped the Ebony Shoe as the league’s best African player in 2019.
His exploits in Belgium paved the way for his move to Aston Villa.
Following a tough spell in England, the striker later played in Turkey for Fenerbahçe, then moved to Royal Antwerp in Belgium before returning to Genk briefly, and finally landing in Greece with PAOK.
While injuries and competition for places limited his time on the pitch in recent years, Samatta remains one of the most respected forwards from East Africa.
Le Havre, one of the oldest clubs in France, earned promotion to Ligue 1 last season and are aiming to solidify their position in the top tier.
Samatta’s arrival is seen as a strategic signing, with the club hoping he can mentor younger players while contributing goals and assists.
Speaking after the signing, Le Havre’s manager expressed confidence in the Tanzanian star, noting, “We’ve been following Samatta for a long time. He brings leadership, experience, and determination qualities we need to survive and compete in Ligue 1.”
Samatta, on his part, said joining Ligue 1 is a dream come true and a moment of pride not just for him but for all Tanzanians.
“This move is not just for me, it’s for every young player back home who believes anything is possible,” he said.
Back in Tanzania, fans and football stakeholders have celebrated the move as a major breakthrough for the country’s football.
Many believe Samatta’s transfer will raise the profile of Tanzanian players and attract more scouts to the region.
With the new Ligue 1 season approaching, Samatta is expected to feature in Le Havre’s opening matches as he regains full match fitness.
Expectations are high that the Tanzanian skipper will be a key figure in Le Havre’s campaign to maintain top-flight status.
As the only Tanzanian currently playing in a top-five European league, Samatta’s journey continues to serve as a symbol of ambition, resilience, and national pride one that many young footballers in East Africa look up to.
