Gamondi on Samatta's Role: "Neither Messi nor Ronaldo are what they once were, yet they don't lose their value on the pitch"

03 January 2026at19:10

Tanzania coach Miguel Angel Gamondi defended his captain, Mbwana Samatta, who has yet to score a goal in the Africa Cup of Nations. Samatta featured only in the first match before missing the second and third group stage fixtures.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Saturday, ahead of their encounter with Morocco, Gamondi emphasized Samatta's importance within the squad. He stated, "I haven't changed anything regarding Samatta's situation. Perhaps he is the one who can teach me through his experience, having played at a high level."

He added, "There's a logic in football: as a player ages, they lose some speed, but they gain more experience and know how to move and position themselves. He also acts as a coach on the pitch."

Gamondi concluded by citing examples of great stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He remarked, "Messi is no longer the Messi we first knew, and neither are Ronaldo or Modric. Yet, they don't lose their value on the pitch. Perhaps Samatta is even more important now than before. It's crucial to have a mix of young and experienced players."

It is worth noting that Tanzania is set to face Morocco tomorrow, Sunday, at 17:00 GMT+1, in the Round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations "Morocco 2025".

Q&A

Why does Tanzania coach Gamondi still value Mbwana Samatta despite his AFCON goal drought?

Coach Gamondi emphasizes Samatta's vast experience, tactical intelligence, and leadership on the pitch, comparing his enduring value to football legends like Messi and Ronaldo, as detailed in the full article.