Hibs new signing Rabbi Matondo says he is “raring to go and ready for the challenge” after signing a deal until the end of the campaign.
The 26-year-old attacking midfielder who can play on either wing has enjoyed a successful and uniquely storied career across Europe and has a reputation for being an enjoyable player to watch.
Speaking to Hibs TV in his first interview, the new No39 described his style of play and what our fans can expect.
He said: “I try to be positive in my actions on the pitch, and whether that’s dribbling, trying to score or trying to create, I try to be on the front foot, and I try to be positive in every action, whether it’s attacking or defending.
“What they (the fans) should expect is someone that’s going to give 100 per cent every time I have the shirt on and me trying to get them off their seats as well with a bit of excitement.
“That’s my aim, and hopefully that’ll be the case.”
Matondo joined Hibs for their training camp in La Manga last week, where he featured in bounce matches and impressed new manager Marink Reedijk.
After departing Norwegian Eliteserien side SK Brann at the end of August, Matondo was a free agent without a club ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, and he lifted the lid on what has been a ‘different’ month.
He added: “It’s not been [an] easy [month].
“It was an unusual day-to-day life, and I’ve been trying to keep myself fit.
“I’ve done a lot of one-to-one sessions as well as Pilates and HYROX sessions, and these are things you probably don’t get a chance to do when you’re in the day-to-day life of a footballer.
“I was just making use of that time, trying to get myself better, fitter, in every single aspect.
“I knew the Club had a bit of interest from my agent telling me, and then I had that conversation with Malky, and it went positively.
“I started training in La Manga last week, and that went well, and we were all happy with how things went, and, ultimately, I’m sitting here now looking forward to the rest of the season.
“When I arrived, it was the first day for the Manager as well, so it probably worked out well in that sense.
“He could have a look at me, look at the group, and then also I could have a look at the group and look at the way the gaffer wants to play, and it all aligned very well.
“The group’s amazing, and it’s a good group of lads, so it was a good time for me to come in and just see what the day-to-day life looks like.
“It was good, and I enjoyed it, and coming back here now, I think it’s going to be even better because now you’re really in it, and it’s the real stuff now.
“I feel good, and you can never replicate one-to-one stuff compared to group stuff within the team and the boys, and it’s different, of course, with different types of fitness and stuff.
“But, at the end of the day, I could get myself to a good enough level for when this opportunity did come, so I feel like I’m in a good place.
“Spain helped, as we done sessions most days, and had the bounce games, and I was involved in both games, so that’s been good.
“I feel like I’m in a good place at the moment. I’ve got to keep improving in every aspect, but I feel good right now, so hopefully, I can show that going forward.
“I’m raring to go and ready for this challenge.”
Matondo has led a fascinating career, which has seen him represent clubs across Europe, now he’s happy to be back in Scotland and is fuelled by the motivation of unfinished business.
He said: “Moving cities and countries at a young age has benefited me a lot.
“I left home probably at 15 or 16, and I’m 26 now, so that’s ten years of being away from the family and stuff, but it’s shaped me into the man I am today.
“You get all these different types of experiences, being abroad in Germany and living alone, having to grow up at 18 by yourself, and the experience of the Bundesliga at that time was good, playing against big players and big teams, and playing with a national team and stuff as well was very good.
“It’s given me the good foundations for this period of time now, coming into Hibs.
“I feel like I’m still relatively young, but I feel like I’ve got a lot of experience, and even for the younger boys in the group, I feel like I can help and push the boys forward.
“I really enjoyed playing at Easter Road, and it was one of the stadiums that I enjoyed playing at when I was in Scotland.
“I’m happy to be back, and I still feel like it’s unfinished business, so I’m happy to be back, and hopefully I can show that with Hibs.
“I hope I enjoy it, so I look forward to this next chapter and hopefully we can create magical memories.”
