Uganda Cranes winger Rogers Kassim Mato has completed a move to Scottish outfit Heart of Midlothian.
The winger moves from FK of North Macedonia initially on a loan move until the end of the season, but the deal has an obligation to buy. In otherwords, Mato will sign a permanent three-year deal at the end of the current campaign in June.
“Heart of Midlothian is delighted to confirm the signing of Rogers Mato in this transfer window. The Ugandan forward joins the Jambos on an initial loan deal from North Macedonian side FK Vardar until the end of the season, subject to international clearance and Scottish FA approval. At the end of the season, upon the expiration of his contract with Vardar, Rogers’ permanent three-year contract with Hearts will begin,” reads a statement on Hearts website.
Mato has been in fine form this season at FK Vardar, scoring 15 goals in 17 games across all competitions.
In the League, he has scored 12 goals and was the joint-top scorer alongside Bassirou Compaoré, who plays for Struga.
Mato has had an upward spiral in his career ever since he was promoted from Proline Junior Team. He went ahead to play for Proline FC, KCCA FC in Uganda, before moving to Turkey at Şanlıurfaspor.
From Turkey, he joined AP Brera in 2024 before crossing over to FK Vardar.
On the national team, Mato has been a mainstay since making his debut in 2022 and has gone on to amass 41 appearances with a return of 8 goals.
He becomes the fourth Ugandan to play for Hearts, joining David Obua(2008-2012), Toby Sibbick (January 2020 to May 2020) and Uche Ikpeazu (2018-2020).