Victor Odhiambo Mola will debut at the final two legs of the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Valladolid, Spain (29–31 May) and Bordeaux, France (5–7 June) after he got his maiden call-up to the Kenyan national rugby sevens team.
The agile winger, who has been knocking on the door, according to coach Kevin “Bling” Wambua, was the key inclusion in the 13-man squad that departs for the two remaining legs of the HSBC SVNS World Championship, with Shujaa aiming to better their 7th-place finish from Hong Kong
While naming the squad for the two legs, Bling only made one change from the Hong Kong squad, which sees Chrissant Ojwang making a return from injury, replacing Gabriel Ayimba who has school commitments.
“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,” Bling said.
Patrick Odongo, who missed the closing stages of the Hong Kong tournament through injury, has recovered in time to travel.
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Shujaa head into the Valladolid leg carrying confidence from their recent performances, with Wambua expressing satisfaction with the team’s preparation and growth heading into 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,” the coach said.
“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,” he added.
Kenya has been drawn in a difficult Pool A alongside South Africa, Australia and Great Britain in what is widely considered the tournament’s “group of death” at the iconic Estadio José Zorrilla.
Despite the challenge ahead, co-captain George Ooro struck a confident tone ahead of the trip.
“We’re going to man up and give everything for the badge,” Ooro said.
“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,” Fellow co-captain Samuel Asati added.
SportPesa Head of Marketing Senorine Wasike backed the team to finish the season strongly.
“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.
The team departs for Spain on Sunday, May 24 evening.
Kenya Rugby Union Chairperson, Harriet Okach, reminded the team of the task at hand:
“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 full squad includes; 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.
