Kenya’s national rugby sevens team, Shujaa, has handed exciting National Sevens Circuit winger Victor Odhiambo Mola his maiden call-up ahead of the final two legs of the HSBC SVNS Series in Valladolid, Spain and Bordeaux, France.
Mola earned his first inclusion in the 13-man squad after impressing on the domestic circuit, with head coach Kevin Wambua describing the winger as a player capable of adding an “X factor” to the team.
The Valladolid leg will take place from May 29 to 31 before the series heads to Bordeaux from June 5 to 7 as Kenya seeks to improve on their seventh-place finish in Hong Kong.
Wambua said injury had previously denied Mola an opportunity in the earlier stages of the series but expressed confidence in the winger’s qualities.
“Injury kept Mola out of SVNS 2, but we are happy to have him now. He is agile, quick, and can give the team the X factor. We ask him to be patient and make the best out of his inclusion,” said Wambua.
The only other change from the Hong Kong squad sees Chrissant Ojwang return from injury, replacing Gabriel Ayimba, who is unavailable due to school commitments.
Patrick Odongo, who missed the closing stages of the Hong Kong tournament through injury, has also recovered in time for the trip.
Wambua said the team had intensified preparations during a 10-day training camp at Kasarani Stadium, focusing on sharpening key areas of play ahead of the decisive stretch of the campaign.
“We have had a very good 10-day camp at Kasarani focusing heavily on attack, defence, speed and situation awareness,” he said.
“We have analysed our performances, especially moments like the South Africa quarterfinal loss in Hong Kong, and worked on improving our decision-making in key moments. The boys now have better clarity and understanding of the opponents we’ll face and we believe we are better prepared.”
Kenya has been drawn in a challenging Pool A alongside South Africa, Australia and Great Britain in what is expected to be one of the toughest pools of the tournament at the Estadio José Zorrilla in Spain.
Despite the difficult assignment, Co-captain George Ooro expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to compete strongly.
“We are going to man up and give everything for the badge,” said Ooro.
Fellow co-captain Samuel Asati said the team had adjusted well since the Hong Kong leg and was united heading into the final tournaments.
“We have had enough transition time from Hong Kong into these final two legs. The team is growing together well and everyone understands what is required,” said Asati.
SportPesa Head of Marketing Senorine Wasike backed the side to finish the season strongly.
“We are proud to continue supporting Shujaa as they head into the final stretch of the HSBC SVNS Series. We believe this team has the character and quality to compete and make us return to the very top where we belong,” she said.
Kenya Rugby Union Chairperson Harriet Okach challenged the team to secure a top-eight finish and regain their place in HSBC SVNS 1 for 2027.
“Our collective job is to finish inside the top eight of the 12 World Championship teams. We believe in you and we are certain we’ll be back to HSBC SVNS 1 for 2027,” she said.
The team is scheduled to depart for Spain on Sunday evening.
Those selected into the Shujaa Squad include George Ooro, Samuel Asati, Kevin Wekesa, Dennis Abukuse, John Okoth, Vincent Onyala, Nygel Amaitsa, Patrick Odongo, Festus Safari, Chrisant Onjwang, David Nyangige, Brian Tanga and Victor Odhiambo Mola.
By Celestine Lomolijah
