Rogers Mato Explains Hearts Transfer Drama Amid Internet Shutdown Confusion

New Hearts signing Rogers Mato has shed light on the dramatic circumstances surrounding his transfer, revealing that an internet shutdown during Uganda's general election was a key factor in the confusion that saw him briefly declared AWOL.

The 22-year-old winger's move from North Macedonian club Vardar has been far from simple. After Hearts announced a pre-contract agreement earlier this month, Vardar claimed they had a deal in place with Sporting Kansas City.

The situation escalated when the Macedonian side reported Mato had gone missing after his involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations. However, Mato explained that the communications breakdown was largely out of his hands.

"I knew that my country had elections and the internet was shut down, so it was difficult to get in contact with my agent, with the coach here, the club there (Vardar)," Mato told the Daily Record, who is in line to make his debut against Dundee United. "I think that was the problem."

The winger described the period as challenging but insisted his mind was already made up about his destination.

"That was a difficult moment because I wasn’t in contact with Hearts, with my manager, with my agent, but I had already decided where I wanted to go," he confirmed. "This Hearts deal had been there for three months before even going for AFCON."

Despite significant interest from other clubs, including in Spain and a widely reported link to Trabzonspor, Mato remained committed to joining the Edinburgh side.

"It was not only an option in America," he noted. "My social media was buzzing, my phone every time... I used to get like three to four agents, managers, asking about my situation. My focus was Hearts. Yeah, Kansas was there, but my focus was here."

As tensions rose and Vardar sought to capitalise on the situation, Mato chose to remain quiet to avoid escalating the conflict.

"The noise has to be there; everyone has their own opinions," he reflected. "Sometimes when you’re doing some things you need to be silent. If you go into the conflict, it will escalate, but if you keep it silent and low, it will be good. The noise was there, but finally we’re here and ready to go."

Mato, who scored an impressive 15 goals in 17 games for Vardar, will initially join on loan before signing a three-year permanent deal in the summer. He already feels at home in his new surroundings.

"I’m happy here. I was welcomed very well by the staff, the coach, the bosses, the players as well," he said. "I was pleased with the players most because when I entered the dressing room, I didn’t feel that new. I felt like an old guy. It’s like a family."

With his future secured, Mato is eager to make his mark in Scottish football, viewing it as a stepping stone to his ultimate ambition.

"I’m a footballer in Scotland and I have my dreams, my future plans. Here it’s closer to the Premier League," he stated. "I just pray to God and I pray to my teammates and my manager that we have a wonderful season."

When asked if he was prepared for his debut, Mato's response was emphatic: "I’m always ready, even when I wake up in the morning. I’m always ready to bite."