Staves split up to make matches (6)

I believe the answer is:

vestas

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'matches' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'staves split up to' is the wordplay.
'staves' anagrams to 'VESTAS'.
However, I'm not sure how this is indicated.

'make' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for vestas that I've seen is " Matches - staves (anag)".)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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