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8 most popular Tanzanian athletes online

by Teresa Mwangi
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  • The most popular Tanzanian athletes online are mostly footballers
  • There’s nothing much said about sports in Tanzania despite having a locally vibrant sporting scene.  Bongo music overshadows the country’s sports industry
  • However, football is a popular sport in this East African country

Little is told of the most popular Tanzanian athletes online despite having a locally energetic sporting scene.  Bongo music overshadows the country’s sports industry. You probably know Tanzania for its Bongo music and not sports. Nevertheless, the country has some dotting athletes that the world should know about.

Who are the Most popular Tanzanian athletes Online

1. Mbwana Samatta

most popular tanzanian athletes online

Tanzanian footballer and Taifa Stars captain Mbwana Samatta. He has a cult-like following of one million fans on Facebook. Photo/Mbwana Samatta

Popularly known as Mbwana Ally Samatta he leads the most popular Tanzanian athletes online.  He has a cult-like following of one million fans on Facebook.

Samatta is the current captain of the Tanzanian national football team, Taifa Stars. His fame grew in 2020 after he made history by becoming the first Tanzanian footballer to play in the English Premier League (EPL).

He signed with Aston Villa after leaving his Belgian Pro League team, Genk. He won the league’s Golden Boot before his exit. Samatta earned the 2019 CAF African Player of the Year award. His leadership with Taifa Stars has been crucial for the team.

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2. Simon Msuva

tanzanian athlete

Simon Msuva is a Tanzania fooballer playing as a forward. Photo/Simon Msuva

The Tanzanian forward has a distinguished international football career. Msuvae enjoys 432K followers on his Facebook page. He is also an important figure for Taifa Stars. His goal-scoring prowess for the Tanzanian national team during critical matches remains unmatched.

Msuva played for Al-Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia and Wydad Casablanca in Morocco. Moroccans remember him for the role he played in helping Wydad win the 2022 CAF Championship.

3. Kelvin John

Kelvin John is a young footballer who has won the hearts of Tanzanians with his speed and tactical skills on the pitch. He is dedicated to being a better player and always engages his fans. The Genk player is focused on growing his football career in Europe.

4. Hassan Mwakinyo

most popular tanzanian athlete

Tanzanian boxer Hassan Mwakinyo. Photo/Hassan Mwakinyo

The legendary boxer is among the most popular Tanzanian athletes online. Mwakinyo takes all his aggression to the ring, punching fast and hard.

He built an international boxing reputation in 2018 after defeating Sam Eggington 2018. He is among the most outgoing African boxers, inspiring and mentoring young boxers.

He runs mentorship camps in Tanzania and also helps in creating national policies to develop boxing in Tanzania.

5. Francis Baraza

Baraza is a successful Tanzanian coach. He chose to advance his love for football through coaching after he retired as an active player. Some of the top Tanzanian clubs he has managed include Azam FC and Simba SC.

6. Aishi Manula

Aishi Manula take a front seat in the history of the best African goalkeepers. The Tanzania skipper is currently engaged with Simba SC.

His goalkeeping skills complement all player efforts, thereby pushing Simba to the top of the Tanzanian Football League.

7. Feisal Salum

most popular tanzanian athletes online

Feisal Salum plays for Yanga SC as a midfielder. Photo/Feisal Salum

The Yanga SC midfielder has a naturally likeable trait. His football skills are a major reason why he keeps growing his fan base.  Feisal Salum often speaks big as one of the most popular Tanzanian athletes online.

8. Nasra Mohammed

Athletics in Tanzania aren’t popular like they are in Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda. However, one Nasra Mohammed is changing this with her track performance.

She is a sprinter who represents Tanzania in major African athletic championships.

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