Mato Rogers : “I’M Here To Score And Create Goals.”

Hearts Welcome Rogers Mato: “I’m Here to Score and Create Goals”

Rogers Mato has told Heart of Midlothian supporters that he is at the club to score and create goals for them, after becoming the club’s fourth January signing. The Uganda winger was confirmed as a signing on Monday, initially joining on loan from North Macedonian side Vardar until the end of the season, before signing a three-year deal with Hearts.

In his first interview with Hearts TV, Mato said he is a goalscorer and goal maker, and is looking forward to scoring and making as much as he can to put the team where it wants to be and where it belongs. He described Hearts as one of the best teams in Scotland, and said he needs to be at his best for the club to be at its best.

Mato, who will wear the number 74 shirt, revealed he chose the number as a nod to the year the club was founded, 1874. He said he had done his research on Scottish football and spoken to his international teammate Toby Sibbick about what to expect. He declared himself “good to go” fitness-wise, after playing at AFCON for Uganda.

Hearts chief executive Andrew McKinlay welcomed Mato to the club, saying:

“Rogers is a talented winger who brings pace and creativity to our team. We’re excited to have him on board and look forward to seeing him in action.”

Mato becomes the fourth Ugandan player to play for Hearts, after David Obua, Uche Mubiru Ikpeazu, and Toby Sibbick. Hearts will return to action on Tuesday, facing Dundee United at Tannadice Park away from home. The club currently sits top of the table in Scotland with 51 points from 23 matches, while Dundee United sit eighth on the table with 25 points from 22 matches.

Mato’s Pre-Match Research

Mato explained that he had done his research on Scottish football before joining Hearts, saying:

“Before I came here, I had a clue because I needed to find out and I just asked them how life is in Scotland. They said it is a good life. I searched for it, not only by myself but with my team and managers. I think it suits my type of play.”

Manager Derek McInnes Praises Mato’s Ability

Manager Derek McInnes praised Mato’s ability, saying: “Rogers is a talented player who brings a lot of energy and pace to our team. He’s a winger who can play on either side and is also comfortable playing through the middle as a striker. We’re excited to have him on board and look forward to seeing him make an impact for us.”