Exciting National Sevens Circuit winger Victor Odhiambo Mola has received his first-ever call-up to the Kenyan national rugby sevens team, Shujaa, ahead of the final two legs of the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Spain and France.
Mola was named in the 13-man squad set to compete in Valladolid, Spain from May 29–31 before proceeding to Bordeaux, France for the concluding leg scheduled for June 5–7.
The speedy winger, who has impressed on the domestic sevens circuit, was the major inclusion in coach Kevin Wambua’s squad as Kenya seeks to improve on its seventh-place finish achieved in Hong Kong.
According to Wambua, Mola had been close to selection before injury ruled him out earlier in the season.
“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 returning from injury to replace Gabriel Ayimba, who is unavailable due to school commitments.
Patrick Odongo, who suffered an injury during the closing stages of the Hong Kong tournament, has also recovered in time for the trip.
Shujaa head into the final stretch of the campaign buoyed by improved performances and a rigorous 10-day training camp held at Kasarani.
“We have had a very good 10-day camp at Kasarani focusing heavily on attack, defence, speed and situation awareness,” Wambua added.
“We’ve 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 faces a difficult challenge in Pool A, where they have been drawn against South Africa, Australia and Great Britain in what many consider the “group of death” at the iconic Estadio José Zorrilla.
Despite the tough draw, co-captain George Ooro expressed confidence ahead of the tournament.
“We’re going to man up and give everything for the badge,” said Ooro.
Co-captain Samuel Asati said the team had adjusted well after the Hong Kong leg and was fully focused on finishing the season strongly.
“We’ve 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 reaffirmed the company’s support for the national side.
“We are proud to continue supporting Shujaa as they head into the final stretch of the HSBC SVNS Championship. 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 maintain momentum heading into future competitions.
“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.
Shujaa Squad
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.