Ugandan international winger Rogers Mato has claimed his first major piece of silverware in Europe, helping FK Vardar to victory in the North Macedonian Cup, less than six months after joining the club.
Vardar defeated Struga FC 2-0 at the Toše Proeski Arena in Skopje on Wednesday night, with both goals coming from local forward Mihail Talevski.
Mato, 21, was introduced in the 72nd minute, replacing Cameroonian forward Danel Jordan Dongmo, and played a crucial role in seeing out the win.
He joined Vardar during the January 2025 winter transfer window from fellow North Macedonian top-flight side AP Brera Strumica.
Since his arrival, he has made 15 appearances, scoring six goals and providing one assist, a notable contribution in a short span.
Prior to his switch, Mato had recorded three goals and two assists in 19 appearances for Brera Strumica earlier in the season.
In total, including last season, he featured 34 times for the club, scoring four goals and registering six assists.
Mato has earned 26 caps for the Uganda Cranes, the senior national team. He left the domestic league in 2023, moving from KCCA FC to Turkish side Şanlıurfaspor, a stint that lasted less than six months before his move to North Macedonia.
