Uganda Cranes winger Rogers Mato Kassim has joined Scottish Premiership side Heart of Midlothian (Hearts) on loan from North Macedonian club FK Vardar.
The 22-year-old Ugandan international had already agreed a pre-contract to join Hearts in the summer, but the move was fast-tracked, allowing him to arrive during the current transfer window.
Mato will remain at Hearts on loan until the end of the season before officially completing a three-year permanent deal in the summer.
He leaves FK Vardar in red-hot form, having scored 12 goals in 13 league matches, making him one of the most lethal attackers in the Macedonian top flight.
On the international stage, Mato has earned 41 caps for the Uganda Cranes, scoring eight goals, including a recent strike at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Hearts head coach Derek McInnes welcomed the winger, praising his pace and attacking threat.
“It’s great work from the club to get Rogers in during this window, and I’m really pleased that he’s here and ready to go. He’s a livewire player, always looking to attack and cause the opposing defence problems,” McInnes said.
The Hearts boss added that the Ugandan has already settled well into the squad.
“He’s been in to meet the boys, has made a good first impression, and we’re all looking forward to working with him.”
Born in 2003, Mato began his football journey at Lweza, before joining Proline FC in 2018. He later moved to KCCA FC, where his impressive performances between 2021 and 2023 earned him a regular place in the national team.
Mato now joins a Hearts side currently top of the Scottish Premiership. Should the club go on to win the title, they will qualify for the UEFA Champions League playoffs, with a chance to reach the group stages next season.
He also follows in the footsteps of Ugandan legend David Obua, who previously featured for Hearts, further strengthening the club’s historic link with Ugandan football.
