Uganda Cranes Winger Puts Hearts Transfer Drama Behind Him as He Looks to Impress New Coach

Hearts winger Rogers Mato is determined to make a significant impact in the upcoming season as he continues to adapt to Scottish football and culture.

The Ugandan international, who made just three appearances for the Jambos after a controversial transfer from North Macedonian club FK Vardar in January, is now setting his sights on helping the team challenge for the Premiership title.

Mato's arrival at Tynecastle was far from straightforward. After agreeing to a pre-contract with Hearts, his former club, Vardar, claimed they had accepted a $1 million offer from MLS side Sporting Kansas City and intended to sell him to the American club.

Compounding the issue, Mato was in his native Uganda, unable to communicate effectively due to a nationwide internet blackout.

Speaking for the first time about the ordeal on the Pitchside Podcast, the Uganda Cranes ace shed light on the chaotic transfer.

"There was a big scandal in the transfer, and people didn’t believe we had an internet switch-off," he explained. "I had to book a flight to go to Istanbul to finalise the deal."

Despite the turbulent start, Mato expressed his gratitude for the warm reception he received in Edinburgh. "I went to a team which is like a family. The players, the manager, the technical staff, the administration staff, the way they welcomed me in and helped me to settle in."

"It’s a pleasure signing at a big club in Scotland. It’s one of the biggest clubs I have ever signed for in my career," he added.

"The support from back home has been incredible. On social media, everybody was happy for me. To see people back home supporting you, it really pushes you to not give up."

Now, Mato is focused on impressing the new head coach, Wouter Vrancken, during pre-season and securing a regular spot in the starting lineup. He acknowledged the need for patience during his initial months at the club.

"Not only in football, life is all about patience, and it's my first time in Scotland," Mato said. "I had to adapt to the playing style, the football culture, the people. In the first week, I didn't understand what they were saying. You have to tell someone to 'calm it, relax, slowly'."

He also praised the previous management for their handling of his situation. "The time I came in was a crucial time, and the scandal for my transfer wasn't a good one. I think the manager played it very well, very professional. As a player, you want to play, and I did ask them why I wasn't playing, but they were honest with me. I took it in good faith because it was to help me."

Off the pitch, the 22-year-old is settling into his new life in the Scottish capital. "Edinburgh is a good city," Mato commented.

"The climate is not that bad. There are a lot of Ugandan dishes, African dishes... each and every country has a restaurant here."