Rogers Mato: Obua tips Uganda stars’ Hearts switch as turning point

Former Uganda Cranes winger David Obua has thrown his weight behind Rogers Mato Kassim’s transfer to Scottish Premiership outfit Heart of Midlothian FC, describing it as a timely leap that reflects the growing stature of Ugandan footballers abroad.

Mato, 22, has sealed a move to the Edinburgh-based club, further accelerating a career that has gathered pace over the past two years.

 

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Obua, who donned the Hearts colours between 2008 and 2012, believes the winger has landed in the right environment to sharpen his game and raise Uganda’s profile on the European stage.

“This is a very good move for Mato and for the country,” Obua told The Source Sport. “Scotland is a very competitive and aggressive league. Seeing Ugandan players testing themselves there is a big plus. These are encouraging times for Ugandan football once again.”

Hearts currently sit at the summit of the Scottish Premiership, edging ahead of rivals Celtic, and Obua feels that level of competition will demand the very best from the Ugandan international.

Mato continues to underline his value to the Cranes

Mato arrives in Scotland after an eye-catching stint with FK Vardar in North Macedonia, where he struck 12 goals in 13 matches, form that earned him a call-up to the Uganda national team for the Africa Cup of Nations in December.

Confirming the capture, Hearts FC expressed excitement at adding the winger to their squad during the transfer window. Head coach Derek McInnes highlighted Mato’s attacking instincts, noting that his pace and direct approach are expected to trouble defences across the league.

The move crowns a steady rise that began at Proline Academy, where Mato honed his skills before graduating to the senior side at Proline FC.

He later featured for KCCA FC, then ventured abroad in search of higher challenges. His overseas journey has included spells at Şanlıurfaspor SC in Turkey and Akademija Pandev Brera Strumica in North Macedonia.

On the international front, Mato continues to underline his value to the Cranes. He netted Uganda’s only goal in a 3–1 defeat to Nigeria at the recent AFCON tournament in Morocco, a moment that further showcased his growing influence at the highest level.

With his Hearts switch now complete, attention turns to how quickly Mato can settle in Scotland and whether his progress can open more doors for Ugandan talent across Europe.