Mola Earns Maiden Shujaa Call-Up as SportPesa-Backed Sevens Circuit Shapes Squad for Valladolid and Bordeaux Test

A new name now carries the hopes of Kenyan rugby sevens fans as Shujaa prepare for the decisive final stretch of the HSBC SVNS Series in Europe.

Victor Odhiambo Mola, the exciting National Sevens Circuit winger whose electrifying pace and fearless running have lit up the domestic scene, has finally received his maiden national team call-up ahead of the Valladolid and Bordeaux tournaments in Spain and France.

His rise is also being viewed as another success story for the local sevens circuit, whose growth has been heavily boosted by betting firm SportPesa through sponsorship and investment in domestic rugby competitions. The sponsorship has helped revive the National Sevens Circuit, increasing competitiveness, visibility and opportunities for young players to showcase their talent on bigger stages.

For years, Kenyan rugby stakeholders have argued that the local circuit remains the backbone of Shujaa’s success — producing players capable of stepping directly into the international arena. Mola now embodies that pathway.

Coach Kevin “Bling” Wambua described the youngster as a player who has “been knocking on the door,” reflecting the winger’s persistence after injury ruled him out earlier in the season.

Now fit and ready, Mola joins a Shujaa side determined to build on its encouraging seventh-place finish in Hong Kong and prove it can compete consistently with the world’s elite again.

“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,” Wambua said as he unveiled the squad in Nairobi.

The coach believes Mola’s unpredictability could inject fresh attacking energy into a Kenyan side seeking sharper execution in decisive moments. That need became painfully clear during the narrow quarterfinal defeat to South Africa in Hong Kong — a loss that continues to fuel the squad’s motivation ahead of the European tour.

Shujaa’s preparations have been intense. The team spent ten days in residential camp at Kasarani sharpening attack, defensive structure, speed and situational awareness. According to Wambua, the focus has also been on improving decision-making under pressure.

“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,” he explained.

Kenya has landed in what many are calling the “group of death” in Valladolid, where they will face sevens powerhouses South Africa, Australia and Great Britain at the iconic Estadio José Zorrilla.

Despite the daunting challenge, confidence within the camp remains high. The return of Chrissant Ojwang from injury and the recovery of Patrick Odongo have strengthened the squad, while co-captain George Ooro is expected to lead a team blending youthful flair with experience.

For Mola, the European tour represents more than just another tournament. It is proof that Kenya’s local rugby ecosystem — powered by club competition, passionate supporters and renewed sponsorship investment — can still produce players capable of shining on the world stage.

And as Shujaa chase redemption in Europe, Kenyan rugby fans will be watching to see whether the latest gem unearthed from the SportPesa-backed circuit can become the spark that reignites the nation’s sevens dream.