Uganda Cranes forward Rogers Mato has completed a highly anticipated loan move to Scottish Premiership table-toppers Heart of Midlothian FC (Hearts).
The talented striker has joined the Edinburgh-based club from North Macedonia’s FK Vardar on an initial six-month loan, which will run until the end of the current season.
The deal also includes an agreement for Mato to switch permanently to Hearts in July, following the expiration of his contract with Vardar.
Earlier this month, Hearts and Mato reached an agreement for a three-year deal to bring the forward to Tynecastle Park as a free agent after his contract with Vardar ends.
Despite Vardar being resistant to letting go of one of their prized players, Mato was determined to make the move and pursue a new chapter in his career.
“I’m thrilled to be here at Hearts,” Mato said after putting pen to paper on the deal. “It feels like a dream come true, and I’m really pleased to finally be here.”
This move represents a significant milestone in Mato’s career, and it’s clear that the feeling is mutual.
Hearts’ head coach, Derek McInnes, expressed his excitement about the transfer, stating, “It’s fantastic work from the club to bring Rogers in during this window. I’m really pleased he’s here and ready to contribute to the team immediately.”
Mato’s journey to the Scottish Premiership has been anything but conventional. Starting his senior career at Proline FC in Uganda, he soon moved to KCCA FC, one of Uganda’s most prominent clubs, before taking his talents abroad.
His professional career took him to Sanliurfaspor in Turkey for the 2023/24 season, and after a brief stint at Brera Strumica in North Macedonia, he joined Vardar, where he enjoyed domestic success, helping the club lift the North Macedonia Cup.
Mato’s profile further grew during the 2025/26 season when he represented Vardar in the UEFA Europa Conference League, showcasing his ability on the European stage.
This transfer also has historical significance for Uganda, as Mato becomes the fourth Ugandan player to ever don the Hearts jersey.
He follows in the footsteps of David Obua, the Uganda Cranes legend who enjoyed a successful spell at the club from 2008 to 2012.
As Mato embarks on this exciting new journey with one of Scotland’s top clubs, Ugandan football fans will be eagerly watching his progress, hoping his time at Hearts will mark the beginning of a stellar European career.
