Ugandan international forward Rogers Mato in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa has expressed his excitement after agreeing a summer move to Scottish Premiership side Heart of Midlothian.
The 22-year-old will officially join the Edinburgh-based club in July after the expiration of his contract with North Macedonian giants Vardar, signing a three-year deal that marks a major step forward in his rapidly rising career.
Speaking exclusively to Footy-Africa, Mato could not hide his delight at securing the move to Tynecastle.
“This is a very proud moment for me and my family,” Mato noted. “Hearts is a big club with a strong history and passionate fans. When I heard about the interest and the project, I felt this was the right step for my career.”
The prolific forward has been one of Europe’s most in-form attackers this season, scoring 12 goals in just 13 league matches to propel Vardar to the top of the Macedonian top flight. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Hearts moving swiftly to secure his signature ahead of other interested clubs.
“I’m grateful to Hearts for believing in me,” he added. “Playing in Scotland, in such a competitive league, is something I’ve always dreamed about. I’m coming to learn, to grow, and to give everything for the badge.”
Despite sealing his future in Scotland, Mato insists his focus remains fully on Vardar, where he is determined to finish strongly before his summer departure.
“Right now, my heart is still with Vardar,” he stressed. “This club gave me the platform to show myself in Europe, and I respect that a lot. Until the very last day, I will give 100 percent, goals, hard work, everything, to help the team achieve our objectives.”
A product of Kampala-based Proline FC, Mato rose through the ranks in the Uganda Premier League before embarking on his European journey with Turkish side Şanlıurfaspor. He later joined AP Brera in February 2024 before earning a move to Vardar a year later, where he helped the club secure UEFA Conference League qualification and lift the Macedonian Cup in his debut season.
On the international stage, Mato has also made his mark. First capped for Uganda in 2022, he has already earned 41 appearances for the Cranes, scoring eight goals, including one at the recent Africa Cup of Nations.
“Every stage of my journey has prepared me for this moment,” Mato reflected. “From Proline to Europe, from the Uganda Premier League to AFCON, I’ve learned to fight for every chance. I believe Hearts fans will see a player who plays with hunger and pride.”
‘Vardar are in control’: Rogers Mato awaiting €1.5 million offer to leave
Come the summer, Mato will swap the Balkans for Edinburgh, becoming part of Derek McInnes’ maroon-clad side, but until then, the Ugandan marksman remains fully locked in on finishing his Vardar chapter on a high.
