Mola set for debut as Shujaa name squad for Valladolid, Bordeaux 7s

The agile winger “has been knocking on the door” according to Wambua, whose only other changes from the Hong Kong squad sees Chrissant Ojwang making a return from injury, replacing Gabriel Ayimba who has school commitments.

Mola 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 seventh-place finish from Hong Kong.

“Mola has been knocking on the door for a Shujaa debut for about three months now. He picked up an injury during our camp in South Africa earlier this year which kept him out of the Challenger Series, but he's been working really hard. He is quite agile, quick, and can bring an x-factor to the team when introduced in the later stages of a game,” said Wambua.

Co-captain Samuel Asati described Mola as a "slippery guy" with "good feet" who will serve as a massive boost to the team.

“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.”

“Understanding my role much better and the excellent teamwork is what keeps me going. I believe the boys are ready and we are going to give you a show,” said Asati.

The rest of the core group remains intact, with co-captain George Ooro and Samuel Asati retained, alongside Kevin Wekesa, Dennis Abukuse, John Okoth, Vincent Onyala, Nygel Amaitsa, Festus Safari, David Nyangige, and Brian Tanga.

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.

Reflecting on their previous competitions, Wambua assured that the team has addressed the costly lapses in situational awareness that led to their narrow elimination by South Africa in the Hong Kong quarter-finals.

“At the end of these two legs, we're going to have a party because I'm very, very confident that this team is going to finish in the top eight.”

The Shujaa schedule kicks off at the HSBC SVNS World Championship in Valladolid, Spain, on Friday, May 29, against long-time rivals South Africa before taking on Great Britain later that evening and they wrap up on Saturday, May 30 with a clash against Australia.

Knockout stages, placement matches, and finals running through Sunday, May 31, 2026, depending on pool performance.

Following the action in Valladolid, the team will immediately shift focus and head to France for the final, decisive leg of the World Championship scheduled for June 5–7, 2026.