Exclusively speaking to Footy-Africa, Uganda Cranes winger Rogers Mato says he is determined to break into one of Europe’s top five leagues after a blistering start to the 2025/26 season.
The 21-year-old, who plies his trade with North Macedonian club FK Vardar, has netted six goals in eight appearances this term, further underlining his form with a match-winning brace in Uganda’s 4-0 demolition of Mozambique in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Friday night.
▶️ Rogers Mato’s first goal last evening against Mozambique.#UGAMOZ | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/vyVDPWRqq7
— Uganda Cranes (@UgandaCranes) September 6, 2025
Mato underlined his performances are no accident, as he has been putting in extra work to improve his finishing and consistency.
“This season has started really well for me, and I am very happy to help my club and country,” he said in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa.
“Every day I push myself harder because I know where I want to be. Playing in one of the top five European leagues has always been my dream, and I believe I am getting closer with every game. Scoring twice for Uganda was special for me because it shows I can deliver at the highest level.”
Mato added that he is motivated by the faith his coaches and teammates have shown in him and believes his current momentum can open doors.
“At Vardar, the team has trusted me, and that has given me confidence to express myself on the pitch,” he said. “But I am hungry for more. I watch players in the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1, and I know I have the ability to play at that level. I’m working hard every single day to make it happen.”
▶️ Rogers Mato’s second goal last night ✍️#UGAMOZ | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/sWwTAJCTQt
— Uganda Cranes (@UgandaCranes) September 6, 2025
Besides FK Vardar, Mato has previously played for Brera Strumica in North Macedonia, Sanilurspor in Turkey and 13-time Uganda Premier League champions KCCA FC. He has now scored eight goals and assisted four times in 33 caps for Uganda.
