Rabbi Matondo Aims to Prove Himself with Hibernian After Rangers Stint

Rabbi Matondo has expressed his determination to rectify what he considers a misconstrued perception of his abilities during his time at Rangers, now aiming to showcase his full potential with Hibernian.

The 26-year-old Welsh international joined Rangers from Schalke in 2022, accumulating 70 appearances but starting only 26 matches. Following a brief and unfulfilling spell at Norwegian club Brann, where he made just four substitute appearances, Matondo has returned to Scotland to join Hibernian.

"I had three-and-a-half, four years at Rangers and I enjoyed it but there’s probably some unfinished business at my end," Matondo stated on Friday. "I feel like people talk as if I didn’t do anything at Rangers, and that’s the narrative. But, of course, there were a lot of ups and downs with injuries."

Matondo explained that returning from injuries often made it difficult to regain consistent form and rhythm, noting that there were periods when he played well. He believes the narrative surrounding him does not reflect his capabilities, stating, "Maybe the narrative is that I’m this player or that player, ‘he doesn’t have this’ or ‘he doesn’t have that’. I want to prove that I do have what it takes to succeed in Scotland, and that’s my aim this season."

After impressing during a trial at Hibernian's recent training camp in La Manga, Matondo has earned a contract until the end of the season. He is eager to make his debut, potentially in Saturday's match against Dundee United.

"It’s been a long time since I started a game and been in a club environment on a day-to-day basis," Matondo said. "But I’m raring and ready to go so we’ll see what the manager decides."

The upcoming match will also mark the first for Hibernian under their new manager, Marink Reedijk. The Dutch coach, who took over from David Gray two weeks prior, has been conducting intensive training sessions.

"We did everything in the two weeks which we wanted to do and even more than I thought was possible," Reedijk commented on the condensed pre-season period. "It was very intense. A lot to do, to discover, but it was really good. I think we got the ideas across properly. We got to know the players, staff and club a bit better by the day. Long days, but very fruitful days."

Reedijk acknowledged that implementing his ideas will require time but emphasized the immediate need for results. "But will it take time? Yes. Do you have time? No, because I want to win the first match. The longer we are here, the better the ideas will come to life."