Mati Zata


Mati Zata is a Zimbabwean footballer midfielder who last played for Scottish League One club Dumbarton.

Early life

Zata, originally from Zimbabwe, moved to Scotland at 4 years of age, living in Alloa, Scotland with his family. He has represented his country of Zimbabwe at under-23 level.

Club career

Alloa Athletic

Zata joined the youth system at Alloa Athletic in 2012. He and made his under-20s debut for the club before his 13th birthday. Zata's footballing ability quickly caught the eye of Scottish Premier league club Rangers after only a year at Alloa Athletic.

Rangers

In 2013, he joined Rangers, scoring 24 goals in his first year as a midfielder at the club. Zata quickly established himself as an important member of the Rangers youth Academy. During his time at Rangers, Zata was called up to represent the Scottish National Team under 16s. Zata earned a 2-year scholarship whilst at the club at 16 years old and also went on loan to lowland league club East Kilbride to gain valuable first team experience.

Dundee United

In 2018, Zata joined Dundee United on an 18-month contract. During this time Zata captained the reserve side to victory in the Oban Cup. Zata earned his debut in a 2018-19 Scottish Challenge Cup tie with St Johnstone under-20s, making a substitute appearance after only two minutes. Zata earned praise from the club's supporters after his debut match due to his combative style in midfield which helped the team come from behind to win the match 3–2. Zata made his second appearance for the club in a 1–1 draw against Alloa Athletic in the same competition. He joined Tayport on loan in March 2019.

Dumbarton

Zata signed for Scottish League One club Dumbarton in July 2019, having scored the winner against former club Dundee United whilst playing as a trialist. He played just ten minutes of league football for the club before joining SJFA West Region Premiership side Rossvale on loan in November 2019. While at Rossvale, he was the target of alleged racial abuse during a match against Rutherglen Glencairn. Dumbarton's extensive injury problems led to the club recalling Zata from loan in January 2020. After making just two more appearances for the club, both in January, Zata was released in March 2020 days after the Scottish football season was suspended due to the Coronavirus crisis.

International career

Zata was born in Zimbabwe but has dual nationality with Scottish and represented Scotland at under-16 level and Zimbabwe at under-23 level. In 2017, Zata represented Scottish National Team Under-16s in a double header match against Switzerland where he played both matches. In March 2019 Zata was called up to represent Zimbabwe Under-23s in the African Cup of Nations competition. Zata played both matches against Mozambique national football team earning 2 caps for Zimbabwe.

Career statistics