Aisha Khamis Masaka

Aisha began playing football in the streets of Tanzania’s Singida region, although her parents initially wanted her to focus entirely on school and opposed her involvement in sport.

As a young striker in Tanzania, Aisha was nicknamed “Samatta” because her goalscoring ability drew comparisons with Tanzanian star Mbwana Samatta.

Watching films and taking evening walks are among Aisha’s favourite ways to relax away from football.

One of Aisha’s dance and lip-sync videos using the Tanzanian song “Mahbuba” surpassed 1.3 million views on TikTok.

Aisha joined forces with Tanzanian rapper Frida Amani to launch Amka Malkia, a joint campaign that used a charity football match and entertainment to raise support for girls’ education in Tanzania.

Dancing and music are among Aisha’s greatest sources of happiness away from football, with Tanzanian artists Diamond Platnumz and Rayvanny among her favourites.

Aisha created the AKM Foundation so that no girl would feel left behind as she once did, using sport to open opportunities while supporting girls’ education, menstrual health, school hygiene and leadership development.