Matondo 'buzzing' after achieving Wales dream

Rabbi Matondo says he has achieved his dream by scoring for Wales in their 3-1 World Cup qualifying win against Kazakhstan at Cardiff City Stadium.

The winger netted his first goal for his country just four minutes after coming off the bench to help Craig Bellamy's side begin their quest to reach the 2026 showpiece in style.

And the former Cardiff City academy player admits it was particularly special to score at the stadium's Canton End - home to both the Bluebirds' and Wales' hardcore fans.

"I was buzzing," said Matondo, who now has 13 caps. "I came through the Cardiff academy ranks before moving away so it was always a dream of mine to score at the Cardiff City Stadium.

"To score at the Canton End especially was a lovely feeling."

Matondo's joy was evident as he celebrated his strike in front of the Wales supporters.

It was also the 24-year-old's first appearance under former Cardiff youth coach Bellamy and Matondo admits he was relieved to finally get off the mark having struggled to win caps regularly since making his international debut in 2018.

"I've had to be patient. It hasn't been easy at times but it's about how the team do," he explained.

"I've always been a big Wales fan from the get-go. From growing up to where I am today.

"I'm grateful for getting picked and being in the squad, so it was nice to get on the pitch and score my first goal for my country. It's something I've always dreamed of when I was younger."

Matondo had been due to feature in Wales' first camp under Bellamy in September but was unavailable due to injury.

He missed all six matches between September and November as Wales topped their Nations League group to gain promotion into League A before being recalled for the first camp of World Cup qualifying this month.

Despite his struggles, Matondo says he was not surprised to be involved in the current Wales squad given his relationship with Bellamy.

"I was called up for the first camp in September but I got an injury that didn't allow me to join up," he said.

"I missed all three camps with injury and got called up the first time I was available. The aim now is to kick on, 100%.

"I've obviously known him [Bellamy] for a very long time from my time at Cardiff and growing up.

"He knows me, my qualities and what I can bring and improve on as well."

Matondo featured just eight times in all competitions for Rangers in the opening half of the season before opting to join Hannover 96 on loan for the remainder of the campaign in January.

The winger scored on his debut for the second-tier German side and admits he's feeling the benefit of moving to Lower Saxony.

When asked if the move had been beneficial, Matondo responded: "100%.

"It wasn't an easy decision at first but when Hannover showed me what they were planning in the future I thought, 'Why not? Go there and try to play my football'.

"It's been a long, hard season with injury at the start so coming back and trying to get minutes was very important. I didn't know whether I would get that at Rangers at that moment."

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