Rogers Mato sets goals target after sealing Hearts transfer

‎Rogers Mato has promised Heart of Midlothian supporters goals and assists after completing a January move to Tynecastle, becoming the club’s fourth signing of the window.
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‎The 22-year-old Uganda international has joined Hearts on loan from North Macedonian side Vardar until the end of the season. His contract with Vardar expires in the summer, at which point a three-year deal with the Edinburgh club will officially begin.
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‎Mato arrives with an impressive scoring record, having netted 12 goals in 13 league appearances this season. A quick, direct attacker, he is comfortable playing on either wing or through the middle as a striker and also brings international experience to the squad.
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‎Speaking to Hearts TV in his first interview, Mato made his intentions clear. “I am a goalscorer and a goal maker,” he said. “I am looking forward to scoring and making as much as I can to put the team where it wants to be and where it belongs.
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‎“Hearts is one of the best teams in Scotland, so they need the best. I need to be at my best. If I am at my best, the club will be at its best. I am looking forward to making the fans happy.”
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‎The winger also confirmed he is fully fit after recently featuring for Uganda at the Africa Cup of Nations. Ahead of the move, Mato researched Scottish football and sought advice from international teammate Toby Sibbick to better understand life and football in Scotland.
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‎“Before I came here, I had a clue because I needed to find out,” he explained. “I asked about life in Scotland and they said it is a good life. I searched for it myself, with my team and managers, and I think it suits my type of play.”
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‎Mato will wear the number 74 shirt at Hearts, a choice he says reflects the club’s history. “The number I wanted was taken by someone in the junior team and I didn’t want to take it from him,” he said. “I decided to go with 74 because that is when the club started, 1874.
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‎“I will carry the legacy of the club on my back. It is a big responsibility, but we need responsibilities and we can’t hide from them.”
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‎Hearts fans will now be hoping the pacey winger can translate his confident words into goals and assists as the season enters a crucial phase.