Mbwana Samatta targeting fairytale finish for Aston Villa

Over the next few weeks the striker’s only focus is ensuring Villa’s season does not conclude with the nightmare of relegation from the Premier League.

Samatta, an £8.5million January signing from Genk, barely had time to get settled in his new surroundings before the season was halted by the coronavirus.

Yet life in lockdown was no stress for the 27-year-old Tanzanian who, despite being a huge star back in his homeland, likes nothing more than a quiet night in with a film.

“Even if there hadn’t been the coronavirus I am just a guy who mostly stays inside anyway,” he says. “I go training, come back and can stay all day inside. I don’t move around for no reason.

“I was in Belgium for four years (with Genk) but I didn’t know many places. I would just stay inside and watch movies, playing on Playstation.

“I like animation movies, kids’ movies really! Moana is one of my favourites. So is Angry Birds, there are so many. Hotel Transylvania is another one.”

Samatta’s own story is almost too incredible for any scriptwriter. A genuine trailblazer, he is the first Tanzanian to ever play in the Premier League and a hero to millions of East Africans who will once more be following his every move when the season resumes tonight.

Unfazed by his superstar status, Samatta is determined to be a force for good back home and the charitable foundation he set up with his friend, the pop star Ali Kiba, provides funding for children who otherwise couldn’t afford schooling.

“Every year we play a charity football match. He will have his own squad from Tanzania and I have my squad,” said Samatta.

“People pay about £1 to come and watch. That money goes to the parents who cannot afford to send their kids to school.

“I’m glad to say the coronavirus was not too bad in Tanzania. I did not have anyone I know that died or tested positive.

“I think they were worried a little bit about me but I always told them I was safe. They know I am good at taking care of myself.”

It is a different kind of safety currently dominating discussion around Villa. Dean Smith’s men restart the campaign 19th in the table but would move out of the relegation zone with a win over Sheffield United this evening.

Samatta, signed after record buy Wesley suffered a season-ending knee injury, will be looking to add further to a tally of two goals in six appearances. “Since joining the club it has been a challenge for me but I love challenges,” he said. ““The level of the league I was playing in Belgium was very different to the one I am playing in now.

“I have to improve, I have to do better and help the team in any way I can. Mostly that is from scoring goals but there are other ways I can help the team as well. I am very confident we can stay up, 100 per cent.”