By KPC Sports Reporter
Exciting National Sevens Circuit winger Victor Odhiambo Mola has received his first-ever call-up to the Kenyan national rugby sevens team, Kenya national rugby sevens team.
The news came ahead of the final two legs of the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Valladolid (29–31 May) and Bordeaux (5–7 June).
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The dynamic winger headlines a refreshed 13-man squad as Shujaa look to improve on their seventh-place finish in Hong Kong and end the campaign on a high.
Head coach Kevin Wambua described Mola as a player who had long been knocking on the door, with the winger finally getting his opportunity after missing earlier rounds through injury.
“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 Chrisant Onjwang return from injury, replacing Gabriel Ayimba, who is unavailable due to school commitments.
Shujaa also received a boost with Patrick Odongo recovering in time after missing the closing stages of the Hong Kong tournament through injury.
Wambua expressed confidence in the team’s readiness following a focused 10-day training camp at Kasarani.
“We have had a very good 10-day camp focusing heavily on attack, defence, speed and situation awareness. We analysed key moments, especially the South Africa quarterfinal loss in Hong Kong, and worked on improving our decision-making. The boys now have better clarity and understanding of the opponents we’ll face.”
Kenya faces a stern test in Pool A, where they have been drawn against South Africa national rugby sevens team, Australia national rugby sevens team and Great Britain national rugby sevens team in what is being viewed as the tournament’s “group of death” at Estadio José Zorrilla.
Despite the challenge, co-captain George Ooro remained upbeat.
“We’re going to man up and give everything for the badge.”
His fellow co-captain Samuel Asati added that the squad had transitioned well from Hong Kong and built stronger chemistry heading into the decisive fixtures.
Backing the team, SportPesa Head of Marketing Senorine Wasike said the squad has the quality to return to the top tier.
Meanwhile, Harriet Okach reminded the players of the target: securing a top-eight finish among the 12 World Championship teams and sealing a return to HSBC SVNS 1 for 2027.
Shujaa departs for Spain on the evening of May 24.
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.
